Saddleworth business carries on family tradition with Christmas hamper appeal.

Saddleworth-based Matila Services Ltd is inviting the local community to support its Christmas Hamper Appeal, with an initial aim of delivering 30 hampers to older and vulnerable people in the area.

The appeal will focus particularly on people who live alone or have limited support, bringing together Matila’s staff, clients, suppliers and local supporters to help make Christmas a little brighter.

The inspiration comes from a family tradition remembered by Matila’s director Ross Campbell. During his school days, his dad, Alan Campbell worked at Royton & Crompton and organised a Christmas appeal each year. Pupils from across the year groups brought in donations, which were packed into hampers and delivered to people locally.

Now, Matila Services Ltd hopes to carry that tradition forward and establish an annual appeal of its own.

Alongside collecting donations and preparing the hampers, the team will set aside time during deliveries for a friendly chat wherever recipients would welcome it. The aim is to offer company and conversation as well as a thoughtful Christmas gift.

Matila Services Ltd plans to work with local organisations to help identify people who would benefit from a hamper and coordinate deliveries across Saddleworth in December.

The initial target is 30 hampers, with the opportunity to reach more people depending on the donations and support received.

Residents and businesses can get involved by donating suitable hamper items, contributing through the appeal’s GoFundMe page or sharing the appeal with others. Money raised will help purchase food, festive treats and thoughtful gifts, alongside items donated through collection points.

Matila will provide the hamper boxes, Christmas cards and the team’s time to prepare and deliver them.

Under the message “A hamper, a visit, a little Christmas kindness,” the team hopes the appeal will bring the community together and help local people feel remembered and valued this Christmas.

To donate or find out more, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matilaservicesltd?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL or contact Matila Services Ltd at [email protected] or call 0161 566 7600.

Donations of hamper items can be dropped off at Saddleworth Business Centre, Huddersfield Road, Delph, Oldham, OL3 5DF. Deadline for collections will be 20th November.