Ayesha, a United in Kind Coach in Epping Forest has been involved with local community groups supporting local projects across Epping. A community Christmas Giving campaign has provided over 70 gifts for children and young people living in Epping Forest, who may not have otherwise received presents at this festive time of year.
The scheme, run by Epping Forest District Council and supported by Voluntary Action Epping Forest and Essex Police, ran both a crowd-funding campaign and gift donation drop- off scheme at the new Civic Hub, based at EFDC Civic Offices.
Around £700.00 in donations and 40 donated presents received from the local community; including generous donations from: Grange Farm Trust, fundraising efforts from Waltham Abbey Football Club and local councilor Jeanie Lea, and a multiple gift giver from Loughton.
The Civic Hub, which opened in September, provides a space for the general public to meet and gain support from multi-agency district council services team and wider, community partner organisations, including: Citizens Advice, Jobcentre Plus, Epping Forest Foodbank, and many other local organisations, service providers and charities who provide personal support to local residents.
Through a network of referrals, principally involving: Voluntary Action Epping Forrest, Epping Forest Foodbank, Epping Forest Schools Partnership Trust and Essex Police, local children were identified and suitable gifts were allocated and delivered.
