Co-op staff and customers donate care packages for Wiganers

Food poverty remains a growing problem across the country and many Wigan families may struggle to put dinner on the table this Christmas.
Staff at the Co-op shop in Orrell, from left, Tom Fitchett, Melissa Guy, Sue Allan and Sharon Perree, with some of the many gifts, toys and food packages they have given to families of children at Dean Trust schoolsStaff at the Co-op shop in Orrell, from left, Tom Fitchett, Melissa Guy, Sue Allan and Sharon Perree, with some of the many gifts, toys and food packages they have given to families of children at Dean Trust schools
Staff at the Co-op shop in Orrell, from left, Tom Fitchett, Melissa Guy, Sue Allan and Sharon Perree, with some of the many gifts, toys and food packages they have given to families of children at Dean Trust schools

In an effort to tackle this issue, staff at Orrell Co-op has got together and organised Christmas food care packages.

Colleagues at the store came up with the idea to help make a difference to those families who might need the extra help due the pandemic.

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They also wanted to give people a little bit of happiness or stress relief during what has been a tough year for many.

So the Co-op store contacted Dean Trust School who agreed to the added support for families struggling from job losses and worrying about buying Christmas presents.

Customers in store donated at the tills losing a product out of there basket to go into the collection trolley behind the tills.

The staff also donated, along with friends and families and customers.

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Not only food items were collected, but toys and small gifts sets were donated to add to these food hampers to give to the families.

It saw Co-op store staff decide to forego their usual Christmas secret Santa and donate their gifts to the school.

Wigan businesses also helped donate to the food collection, with toy shop Minuenta and The Cutting Edge hair salon both doing this.

The Hair Centre in Norley Hall helped give to the collection also, and an online cosmetics rep based in Wigan named “skincare&beauty_bylauren” on Facebook, who donated six beauty hampers to the gift collection.

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Colleague Ben Webster said: “This year has been difficult for most, not only in this country but around the world.

“So we thought it would be perfect for us to give back even more this Christmas to ensure that joy is still present.

“The Co-op Orrell team have been amazing and we hope that all the donations are put to good us.”

Fellow staff member Fiona Hampson said: “I feel so blessed to be able to offer help and support to those in need.

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“This year has been difficult for us all and a small gesture by us and the residents of Orrell will definitely make a huge difference to those who need that little extra support this year.

“I am honoured to be part of such a dedicated and hard working team at the Co-op Orrell.”

Susan Allan added: “The Co-op team are here for our community, we love offering support in times of need.”

The school received their food packages from one of the colleagues who works at the school as well as at the store.

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