This year, Greener Greens have teamed up with several local organisations and charities to help others this Christmas. We have put together an “unwrapped” present scheme that benefits others in your community. Unwrapped gifts are a way of giving two gifts in one – you can buy a gift for a cause you really believe in on behalf of one of your friends or family.

We have developed our Greener Greens Unwrapped gifts over several years. We work with local Children’s Centres and charities to bring fresh organic veg, fruit and one or two sweeter goodies to local families and individuals who could benefit from help at Christmas.

Our team supply the produce at cost, fill the bags and pass the bags to the charity or Childrens’ Centre for distribution. The family bag contains 8kg of veggies and fruit. The small bag, which is aimed at senior citizens or a couple, contains 5kg. You pay for the bag, let the team know who you are buying it on behalf of and Greener Greens send your friend or relative a card letting them know what you have bought.

This year in particular, we are focusing on providing food to VARB – (Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead). VARB devote themselves to building connections between charities and businesses and working together for the benefit of local people. This year, they are holding a ‘Festive Feast’ lunch on Christmas Day for those who either spend Christmas Day alone, or families who can’t afford a Christmas lunch.   We at Greener Greens are selling a bag which serves seven people for £12.50 – all of which will go straight to VARB and to those who need it most this Christmas.

After the success of our Family Bag scheme at Broadfield Children’s Centre in Crawley last year, we will be doing the same again this year but have widened it to the Early Help Service too. This year, West Sussex County Council are working on distributing bags that we are making up to the families that need the most help this Christmas. It is a very exciting thing to be part of – helping vulnerable and in need people to enjoy Christmas is possibly the best present you could give to anyone.

We are also close to creating a contact who will be able to distribute our Senior Citizens bags too – these contain 5kg of fresh fruit and vegetables to make sure that the elderly who are spending Christmas alone or as a couple are getting the healthy food that they need.

So this year, if you can afford to help spread the joy of giving this Christmas, then please consider buying one of our bags to help ensure that others can enjoy their Christmas too. In addition to giving a local family a head start at Christmas, you are helping to support our independent growers.  Below is a list of our bags – please get in touch with us if you are interested in buying a bag for someone this Christmas!

VARB Festive Feast Bag £12.50

Family Bag £11

Senior Citizen Bag £8

If you would like to get involved or find out more about VARB, or if you know anyone that may benefit from this year’s Festive Feast, please contact lisa@varb.org.uk or call 01737 762 115.