Westbank delivers 50 Christmas hampers to families across Exeter area

Fifty local families have received Christmas hampers, following a joint effort by businesses, schools and volunteers supporting Westbank Community Health and Care.

The Exminster-based charity coordinated the delivery of the hampers in the lead-up to Christmas, with support from organisations and individuals across Exeter and the surrounding area.

The hampers included food, festive treats and children’s gifts, aimed at helping families who may have struggled during the festive period.

A last-minute donation of children’s toys from Cars and Cuppas, which runs monthly events in Exeter, was added to the hampers shortly before delivery.

The toys were donated after the group reported having surplus items following a fundraising event.

Volunteers from NatWest’s Exeter branch helped prepare the hampers by wrapping gifts and packing boxes, while pupils from Exminster Primary School contributed handmade Christmas cards.

Food and supplies were donated by a number of local organisations, including FareShare, Exeter Food Action, Mosshayne Farm and Bookers Exeter, which provided mince pies.

Additional food items were collected through Westbank’s Reverse Advent Calendar initiative, with donations received at the charity’s Healthy Living Centre in Exminster and at SPAR in Starcross. Exminster Parish Council also provided financial support towards the project.

Sarah Benthall, Head of Voluntary and Community Services at Westbank, said the support had made a significant difference to local families. She said the charity was “very grateful” to the businesses, volunteers and community groups who helped make the deliveries possible.

The hampers were delivered by Westbank’s volunteer drivers using the charity’s vehicles, ensuring families received them in time for Christmas.

Westbank Community Health and Care provides a range of health, wellbeing and support services for people across Exeter, East and Mid Devon.