Christmas Q&A for Clients
I’m worried about being able to manage at Christmas….
I would like to receive a Christmas hamper at Christmas...what do I do?
You will need to be referred by an agency that is supporting you. They should have full details on how to do this. Talk to them and discuss that you are worried about Christmas. There may be additional support available as well as the Christmas Hamper and Gift scheme we offer. Referrals open on 10 November at 12.00 and close on 5 December at 17.00 unless we have reached the maximum number of hampers we can provide. If this happens we will close referrals early.
Agencies include; Schools, GP surgeries, Housing Associations, Shropshire Council support departments and Health professionals.
What information will I need to give?
You will be required to give your name, address, email and a mobile number. This is to contact you so you can verify the information the referrer has given, you can choose your collection appointment time and we can send you your Collection Number and collection information.
We will also need to know how your household is made up, so that we can prepare appropriate gifts for any children in your household and ensure the parcel meets your dietary and cooking needs.
I have been referred for the Christmas Hamper and Gift scheme; what happens next?
You will receive a text confirming that you have been referred for the Christmas Hamper and Gift scheme. We will then send you another text with a unique link. You should click the link so you can verify the information we hold. You will also need to choose a collection appointment. You will then receive a text with a special collection number*. This number will be sent to you by text after 10th December 2025. Please do not share this number with anyone else.
After that, all you need to do is arrive at your collection appointment and make sure you have your Collection Number with you. Your parcel is made for your household only and will not be given to anyone else.
*You will have chosen an appointment time to collect your parcel. Please ensure you only come at that time. This is to ensure we can keep people safe and reduce queues. Your text will tell you what time to arrive. There will be people available to help you when you arrive. Parking will be very limited and the surrounding streets are often very busy. There will be restricted access into the car park. You will only be able to access the car park from Coleham shops end, turning left into the Centre. You will directed to turn left only out of the Centre when you leave. There are local car parks at Abbey Foregate and limited parking on the roads surrounding Barnabas Church Centre.
What's the special collection number for?
This is how we will identify your unique parcel for your household. On arrival, present your number to the team member and they will get your parcel for you.
Why do I need a number; why can’t you use my name?
We use a number that is unique to your household. We do not use names as households might have the same or similar names and we don’t want anyone getting the wrong parcel. Having a unique number stops this from happening.
By using numbers, we are also able to keep your identity from the majority of volunteers who help to prepare the parcels as only qualified team members have access to your details.
Why do you need the ages of my children?
This is so we can make a suitable hamper for you and everyone in your household. You will receive age appropriate gifts for all the children.
What will be in the parcel?
You will receive everything you need to make a Christmas dinner for your household plus a voucher for a local supermarket to enable you to purchase a chicken or equivalent and fresh vegetable and fruit. You will also receive Christmas food such as a Christmas pudding, mince pies, sweets, chocolates and savoury treats. The gift parcel will contain gifts you can wrap and give to your children if you have them. The parcel will also contain wrapping paper and sellotape.
Will the gifts be new?
Yes. everything you receive will be brand new and in its original packaging. We never give out anything that is secondhand.
Will the food be in date?
All the food you receive will be in date up to 25th December. Vegetables and fruit you purchase with the voucher, will need to be washed. Please read and follow all storage and cooking instructions on any food items you receive or purchase.
I have guests at Christmas. Will they know the food is from a foodbank?
No. The Christmas food and gifts you receive at Christmas in the Christmas Hamper will not be identifiable as foodbank food. It will not have dates on like our regular food. All the food will be in date.
When do I get my parcel?
The appointments slots are Thursday 18 December 08.00 - 20.00 or Friday 19 December 09.00 - 11.00. You should attend during the slot that you choose.
Where do I get my parcel from?
The collection location is Barnabas Church Centre, Longden Coleham, SY37DN.
I have special dietary requirements
We are able to cater for diets such as gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and dairy free. Please tell your referrer when discussing the referral. They will tell us if you have any dietary requirements.
I am not able to collect my parcel on either of the days you say. What should I do?
You are able to send a trusted friend or family member to collect your hamper. They will need your unique collection number to do so. It is not possible to collect your Christmas Hamper on any other days.
How big is the hamper?
We recommend you have transport when you collect the hamper.
What will you do with the information from my referral?
We never share information outside of Barnabas Community Projects and our partner organisation Upsio. Your referrer will of course have the details and they will get your permission to share those details with us to allow us to prepare a suitable hamper for you.