THIS year has been a tough year worldwide, with the economic hardships caused by the pandemic affecting many families, across the world and in Ealing as well.

Ealing mum, Tina Gandesha posted on a local Facebook group about organising a donation box of children's toys in order to 'put a smile on children's faces this Christmas'.

She received an overwhelming response by the community and one of the responses was by fellow Ealing mum, Naomi Rattrey.

Rattrey is the Managing Director and the person responsible for setting up Educare Family Support Service in 2014.

Educare are a Community Interest Company (CIC) and over the years have supported many disadvantaged families throughout Ealing and beyond either with food donations, housing issues or even with making sure they get the correct form of benefits.

During lockdown in particular they managed to raise £8,500 for families in need through a GoFundMe page.

Educare are now launching their Christmas hampers that they aim to deliver to approximately 300-400 families over the course of four days, from December 21 to 24 and are looking for both volunteers and donations.

Rattrey told Nub News: "We've emailed schools, children centres and social workers in order to get the word out about our initiative and so that they can refer any families they are currently working with, who they feel would benefit from our Christmas hamper service.

"At the same time, we're also looking for volunteers to either help with wrapping or delivering the hampers, but also for food, toys and monetary donations too."

Each hamper costs approximately £13 in food products and if Educare do not receive enough donations, they will have to use their own funds in order to buy the food.

"If people are worried about social distancing and can't leave the house to donate in person or help with wrapping the hampers, then a monetary donation is still very welcome and can be easily done online," added Rattrey.

Educare are also looking to include a children's gift in each hamper, something that has to be new and ideally educational in order to be a gift from Santa.

Donations can be made every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am until noon at 71-75 Uxbridge Road, Aurora, Ealing, W5 5SL.

If you want to see examples of the work Educare do then you can go onto their Instagram page @educarefamilysupportservice.