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A Wirral charity that helps thousands of families at Christmas has launched an urgent £25,000 appeal after a funding shortfall.
Neo Community has run a festive food drive every year since 2014, providing Christmas dinner essentials, cupboard staples and treats to people facing hardship across Wirral.
The charity says its volunteers, buildings and set-up are all in place, but it does not have the money to buy the food it needs to meet demand this year.
It has set up a GoFundMe page which breaks down how the £25,000 would be spent, including £9,000 for everything needed for Christmas dinner, £3,000 for festive treats and £1,500 for packing and distribution.
Founder and chief executive Ema Wilkes said: "We have the volunteers. We have the infrastructure. We have the experience, the relationships and the determination. What we don't have is the money to buy the food."
She continued, "This isn't about extravagant Christmas celebrations. It's about dignity, food, kindness and making sure people know they haven't been forgotten."
The charity is asking businesses to donate, sponsor food purchases, organise workplace fundraising or help it buy food at wholesale prices.
Members of the public can donate or share the fundraiser.
Other Christmas appeals are running across the borough, including the Salvation Army's Christmas Present Appeal in Birkenhead.
Businesses can contact Neo Community on 0151 647 5981 or info@neocommunity.org.uk. Donations can be made at gofund.me/a35089eea.
