Dumfries Community Comes Together to Spread Festive Cheer to 400 Families
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Lee Vann-Wakelin and a team of dedicated volunteers in Dumfries are close to reaching their goal of providing a Christmas food boost to 400 families in Dumfries and Galloway. The final push for donations is underway, with people urged to drop off essential food items at Troqueer Hall in Dumfries on Saturday, December 14th, between 10am and noon.
The donations will be used to create two-course Christmas dinners, bacon rolls, ketchup for breakfast, two additional meals, and a 20-item cupboard filler bag for each family. The initiative, organized by the US2U charity, aims to ensure that vulnerable families in the region have enough food to celebrate the festive season.
Supporters can also contribute cash donations via Paypal or bank transfer to help feed a family of six. The charity, formerly known as Christmas Gesture, has seen overwhelming support from both businesses and individuals, with many donating items from the shopping list. Lee Vann-Wakelin, the driving force behind the initiative, has been leading this annual appeal for years, with last year’s efforts providing food hampers for 350 families.
Encouraged by the growing demand and support, the Christmas Gesture has now evolved into the US2U charity, allowing for wider outreach and access to grant funding. Lee emphasized that all donations go directly towards the food hampers, with no funds used for administrative costs. Volunteers will gather, sort, and pack the donated items for distribution to families in need, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a special Christmas meal.
Lee expressed his gratitude to the community for their unwavering support over the years, highlighting the collective effort to help those facing food insecurity during the holidays. With the formation of the US2U charity and increased support, the initiative is set to provide assistance to 400 families this year, spreading joy and festive spirit throughout the community.
As the final day for food donations approaches, Lee urged those willing to help to get involved by donating or volunteering at Troqueer Hall. The gesture of kindness and generosity shown by the Dumfries community serves as a shining example of the power of unity and compassion during the holiday season.