Our Story...
OCH was established in 2020 when Charlotte, our founder, noticed an excessive number of vulnerable families accessing local food banks during the time of the Covid pandemic.
The beginning was small: in 2020, we organised 19 Christmas Food Hampers for vulnerable families; this initiative was repeated in 2021 and, with the economy in decline, we received help from friends, and together we provided 47 hampers to those in need. In 2022, the economic situation had worsened, and even more vulnerable families and individuals were struggling financially; gas and electricity utility bills had increased for the nation, along with increased prices of food in the supermarkets. This meant that families and individuals had to decide between buying food or putting their money towards their utility bills, with some not being entitled to the Universal Credit Cost of Living Payment to help top up their finances. We couldn’t even imagine how this must feel – to make such difficult choices - so we enabled more establishments to refer families or individuals to us. These establishments included schools, health professionals, nurseries, and social services. In 2022 we received 221 referrals, and in total, we provided over 340 hampers that year, with food also benefiting the homeless and elderly.
It was clear to us that many of our local communities were suffering financially and needed ongoing support, and so, in 2023, we turned this initiative into a registered Community Interest Company called Operation Christmas Hamper (CIC). This formalised our initiative and enabled us to apply for support through official funding streams and to receive donations from companies. In 2023 we were able to make 656 Christmas Food Hampers and provide gifts
for the majority of recipients.
In July 2024 we became a registered charity, and changed the name to Operation Community Hamper CIO as the need has increased for the type of support we are offering, meaning that we are being asked throughout the year to provide for those in need, which has included buying groceries, paying for enriching activities for families, topping up gas and electric meters and purchasing essential furniture. Some of the families and individuals we support do not meet the criteria for funding from other services, as they are not in receipt of certain benefits, our service is open to all that are in need and have been verified by a professional. Our aim is to support vulnerable families and individuals that are in financial crisis, for whatever reason, to be able to afford general day to day living essentials, this will be throughout the year, along with paying for enriching activities for families to enjoy, which gives them something to look forward to and relief from their day to day struggles. We also want to support families and individuals during the festive seasons, by providing food hampers and gifts, ensuring that every family member has something to open on Christmas Day; We also provide Easter Eggs for individuals during the Easter period.
See us in action...
Our Story...
OCH was established in 2020 when Charlotte, our founder, noticed an excessive number of vulnerable families accessing local food banks during the time of the Covid pandemic.
The beginning was small: in 2020, we organised 19 Christmas Food Hampers for vulnerable families; this initiative was repeated in 2021 and, with the economy in decline, we received help from friends, and together we provided 47 hampers to those in need. In 2022, the economic situation had worsened, and even more vulnerable families and individuals were struggling financially; gas and electricity utility bills had increased for the nation, along with increased prices of food in the supermarkets. This meant that families and individuals had to decide between buying food or putting their money towards their utility bills, with some not being entitled to the Universal Credit Cost of Living Payment to help top up their finances. We couldn’t even imagine how this must feel – to make such difficult choices - so we enabled more establishments to refer families or individuals to us. These establishments included schools, health professionals, nurseries, and social services. In 2022 we received 221 referrals, and in total, we provided over 340 hampers that year, with food also benefiting the homeless and elderly.
It was clear to us that many of our local communities were suffering financially and needed ongoing support, and so, in 2023, we turned this initiative into a registered Community Interest Company called Operation Christmas Hamper (CIC). This formalised our initiative and enabled us to apply for support through official funding streams and to receive donations from companies. In 2023 we were able to make 656 Christmas Food Hampers and provide gifts for the majority of recipients.
In July 2024 we became a registered charity, and changed the name to Operation Community Hamper CIO as the need has increased for the type of support we are offering, meaning that we are being asked throughout the year to provide for those in need, which has included buying groceries, paying for enriching activities for families, topping up gas and electric meters and purchasing essential furniture. Some of the families and individuals we support do not meet the criteria for funding from other services, as they are not in receipt of certain benefits, our service is open to all that are in need and have been verified by a professional. Our aim is to support vulnerable families and individuals that are in financial crisis, for whatever reason, to be able to afford general day to day living essentials, this will be throughout the year, along with paying for enriching activities for families to enjoy, which gives them something to look forward to and relief from their day to day struggles. We also want to support families and individuals during the festive seasons, by providing food hampers and gifts, ensuring that every family member has something to open on Christmas Day; We also provide Easter Eggs for individuals during the Easter period.