SALLY Langston knows how tough Christmas can be for some.

The hardship is clear to see at West Mercia Women's Aid, where she serves as a community communications officer.

The charity is a lifeline in Hereford for women and girls, and their children, seeking shelter from domestic abuse and violence.

But Christmas for those it supports is a particularly difficult time.

They in the past have been helped enormously by Christmas parcels supplied by the Living Room, a charity based in Commercial Road, Hereford.

That is why the Hereford Times aims to provide more parcels this year for women seeking refuge, as well as others in need.

The Hereford Times Christmas Appeal 2020, in partnership with the Herefordshire Community Foundation, aims to raise £2,000 to pay for 70 food parcels.

Ms Langston said: "Last year the help West Mercia Women’s Aid received from the Living Room was truly wonderful.

"We were overwhelmed with the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables provided, along with the extra Christmas goodies for the children and women which even included a toy for every child!

"When women first arrive in refuge they often have very limited finances – if any.

"The generosity of the Living Room made such a difference to the women and children in our refuges – giving them one less thing to worry about at Christmas."

The Living Room is a café, community larder and a safe community space.

It aims to make things better for people on low incomes, and those experiencing isolation or lacking in support or community connections.

The food parcels your donations will pay for will contain a Christmas Day lunch for families, and a week's worth of food.

There will also be some seasonal goodies, and where possible a small gift for children.

Parcels will be distributed through Living Room partners such as the West Mercia Women’s Aid, Herefordshire's 16+ team for care leavers, supported housing projects, and the homeless shelter.

Families the charity is already working with, or those who ask for support because they are having financial difficulties, will also be offered parcels.

How to donate:

  • Visit www.herefordshirecf.org and click on the button marked Hereford Times Christmas Appeal 2021.
  • Or send a cheque to Hereford Times Christmas Appeal 2021, Herefordshire Community Foundation, The Fred Bulmer Centre, Wall Street, Hereford HR4 9HP