Hamper Scamper - Its started!

Christmas is always seen as a special time of year, but this is not the case for many people in Gloucestershire. The expense and expectation can place a real strain on disadvantaged families with low incomes or extreme family circumstances, and many lone adults miss out on the festivities simply because they have nobody to care about them this at this time of year.

Many disadvantaged families cannot afford even the basic festive goodies which most of us take for granted, including food and Christmas presents for their loved ones. The pressure on parents to provide gifts leads to many getting further into debt, which can last for years to come and only acts to make their lives even harder. This is the stark reality for many families every year.

By undertaking the Hamper Scamper campaign, we aspire to bring the spirit of Christmas to hundreds of children, young people, families and vulnerable adults, including those who are homeless at Christmas. This is not just by providing them with Christmas food items and gifts, but to help in the longer term to reduce or wipe out the debt that they can accrue through the pressure of the festive season, culminating in year round misery.

Read the 2007 Hamper Scamper Report here

Hamper Scamper is a massive undertaking and we are always in need of volunteers and donations to make sure it runs successfully and smoothly. If you would like to get involved in this year's Hamper Scamper, perhaps by organising a collection within your workplace or by helping with the sorting, wrapping and distribution, we'd love to hear from you. Here's how you can take part:

By Volunteering:

We need help to sort, wrap and allocate presents, make up hampers, collect goods from donors, organise  and make deliveries, general Hamper Scamper administration (mail shots, data entry etc)

By making a Donation:

We need gifts for children, such as toys and books, gifts for teenagers and adults, such as store vouchers and toiletries. Also food for hampers – dried and tinned goods, Christmas food, biscuits and cake, Christmas treats – chocolates and sweets etc., Christmas crackers and decorations, wrapping paper, sticky tape, boxes etc. Why not set up a collection point in your place of work and encourage your colleagues to drop something into the box between now and December.

 If you would like to take part in this year’s Hamper Scamper, or just want to find out more, call us on 01242 228999 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it