A Helping Hand launches Christmas gift appeal and charity quiz for local families

A Helping Hand Food & Clothes Bank is calling on Costa Blanca residents to support two community initiatives helping local people facing difficult circumstances. The San Luis-based charity is collecting Christmas presents for children in need while also preparing a pie and mash quiz fundraiser to provide practical support for a young mum-to-be.

Christmas present campaign supports local children

Christmas can be an expensive time for any family, but A Helping Hand Food & Clothes Bank is hoping the community will make sure local children in need still have something special to open this year.

The Helping Hand Christmas Present Campaign is collecting new gifts for children of all ages, with organisers particularly appealing for vouchers suitable for teenagers aged 13 to 15.

Suggested donations include toys, new clothes, pyjamas, toiletries, gift sets, games, arts and crafts, teddies, accessories and stocking fillers.

For teenagers, gift vouchers are especially useful, allowing them to choose something for themselves. Suggested shops include Carrefour, Alcampo, Primark and Pepco.

Christmas gift bags and sacks, chocolates, sweets and other small extras are also needed to help complete the presents.

Donations can be taken directly to the food bank at Avenida Deva 315, San Luis, which is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

There are also numerous collection points around the area, including businesses in Los Montesinos, Cabo Roig, Playa Flamenca, Formentera, Via Park 3 and 5, Catral, La Marquesa, Villamartin, Quesada, Dona Pepa, Torrevieja, La Marina, Mil Palmeras and Benimar.

Some collection points accept food donations only, so anyone planning to drop off a Christmas gift should check beforehand.

Pie and mash quiz raises funds

Pie, mash and a spot of friendly competition are being served up at Legends Bar in El Raso to raise money for a young mum-to-be facing an extremely difficult time.

The charity quiz takes place on Tuesday, November 17, in support of A Helping Hand Food & Clothes Bank.

The organisation is currently helping a 19-year-old woman who is eight months pregnant and rebuilding her life after leaving an abusive relationship and losing the support of her family.

Her identity is being kept private, but organisers hope the fundraiser will provide practical help as she prepares for the arrival of her baby.

Tickets include food and quiz entry

Food will be served from 2:00 PM, followed by the quiz, raffle and fundraising activities from 3:30 PM until 6:00 PM.

Tickets cost €15 per person and include pie and mash and entry to the quiz. A vegetarian pie is available on request, while quiz teams can have up to six members.

The event is ticket-only. To book, contact Annette on WhatsApp at (+34) 711 080 536.