South Tyneside’s Key to Life Foodbank launches its Christmas 2025 appeal
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A South Tyneside foodbank has launched its Christmas appeal.
The Key to Life Foodbank is appealing to members of the public in South Tyneside to help ‘Make Christmas Special’ for struggling individuals and families this Christmas.
The foodbank states that it is determined to ensure that no child or family in the borough will go without warmth, food, and a few small gifts to unwrap this year.
In 2024, Key to Life supported more than 170 families and delivered almost 400 gifts for children and young people - as well a similar number of emergency food parcels to those facing hunger and hardship.
Jo Benham Brown, the Business Development and Communities Manager at Key Community, has explained that small acts of kindness this Christmas can go a long way.
She said: “Every year we see families who have to choose between heating and eating and Christmas only adds to that strain.
“Our appeal is about more than gifts and food; it’s about giving people hope, connection and the reassurance that they’re not alone this festive season.”
“We know times are tough for so many, but even the smallest act of kindness - a toy, a tin of food, or a few pounds - can make an enormous difference.
“Together, we can Make Christmas Special for those who need it most.”
The Key of Life Foodbank is looking for the following donations this festive season:
- Festive foods and Christmas treats to accompany emergency food parcels (no alcohol).
- New and unwrapped toys and gifts for children aged 0 to 16-years-old.
- Gift vouchers for older children and teenagers.
- New or excellent quality pre-loved children’s onesies and dressing gowns.
- Gift bags and wrapping paper.
To ensure that the gifts can reach families before Christmas, donations to Key to Life should be made by Friday, November 28.
Donations can be dropped off Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm at the foodbank, which is based inside Boldon Lane Library or to the crew on board the Key Community Bus.
For those who are unable to donate in person, the charity has launched an Amazon Wish List, which can be found at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/registries/gl/guest-view/1VIRC2QETSLP5.
You can also help out financially by:
- Online at: https://keycommunity.org.uk/donate/.
- By cheque: Payable to Key Community and posted to 116 Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BA.
- By bank transfer: Transfer to Key Community at Unity Trust Bank, Sort code: 60-83-01, Account no: 20071815.
- By text: Text YULE followed by any whole pound amount between £1 and £20 to 70450 to give that amount (e.g. YULE10 to donate £10). Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message).
Supporters can also send Charity Christmas cards and cards through Making A Difference Cards.
Every card purchased makes a donation directly to Key Community for the Christmas Appeal - visit: https://gb.makingadifference.cards/ and select ‘Key Community’ as your chosen charity.
Christmas is the busiest time of year for the Key to Life Foodbank and extra volunteers to help out are always welcome.
If you can spare a few hours to help sort donations, pack food parcels or wrap gifts, then message the Key to Life Facebook page or call 07833 613 393 during opening hours.
Families with children aged 16 also have until Friday, November 28 to apply for support from Key to Life this Christmas and can be done so at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdffyuPhuHSELui23vxYNxzGMTwCxQ-ylkzO9GMFOa_Pg9oJg/viewform.
Gifts will be allocated on the week commencing Monday, December 8, on a collection-only basis.
For more information about the Christmas appeal, visit: https://keycommunity.org.uk/christmas-appeal/.