Westbank delivers 50 Christmas hampers to local families with support from Exeter businesses

Exminster-based charity Westbank completed delivery of 50 Christmas hampers just before the big day to local families after businesses and organisations across Exeter rallied to support the initiative.

Westbank Community Health and Care coordinated the festive effort, which saw food, gifts and supplies donated from across the business community to help families who may otherwise have struggled during the Christmas period.

A significant last-minute boost came in the form of a large donation of children’s toys from Cars and Cuppas, which runs monthly events in Exeter. The toys were added to the hampers shortly before delivery, enhancing the festive support for families.

Numerous organisations contributed food and volunteered their time to ensure the hampers were filled with seasonal treats. Volunteers from NatWest’s Exeter branch helped wrap gifts and prepare the boxes, while pupils from Exminster Primary School made handmade Christmas cards to include in each hamper.

Food donations were supplied by Fareshare, Exeter Food Action, Mosshayne Farm, which provided organic leeks and butternut squash, and Bookers Exeter, which donated mince pies. Additional food was collected through Westbank’s Reverse Advent Calendar initiative at the charity’s Healthy Living Centre in Exminster and at SPAR Starcross. Exminster Parish Council also supported the project with a financial donation.

Sarah Benthall, Westbank’s Head of Voluntary and Community Services, said: “So many people have helped us put together these festive hampers to support 50 families in the local community who may otherwise have struggled to provide food, treats and gifts this Christmas. We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us by donating supplies or giving their time to pack all the boxes. We couldn’t have done it without the support of local businesses and organisations and can’t thank them enough.”

She added: “The last-minute donation of toys worth thousands of pounds came out of the blue and was the ‘icing on the cake’. Cars and Cuppas posted on Facebook that they had surplus toys after a fundraising event and asked if there was a charity who could use them. Someone suggested Westbank and we were thrilled to receive them. They [were] sure to bring a smile to children’s faces on Christmas Day.”

Westbank’s volunteer drivers delivered the hampers in the charity’s branded vehicles, ensuring they reached families in good time for the Christmas celebrations.