Food Bank Christmas Scheme Restores Dignity by Giving Parents Choice
A Nottingham food bank has transformed the way struggling families receive Christmas gifts, giving parents the chance to choose presents for their children in a move many say restores dignity and eases emotional pressure during the festive season.
The Meadows Food Bank and Pantry introduced a “Christmas Choice Room” this year, where parents could browse and select gifts for their children from shelves stocked with around 500 donated toys, games and clothes. Unlike previous years, when families received pre-wrapped presents based on age and gender, the new scheme allowed parents to pick items they knew their children would genuinely enjoy, at no cost.
Parents described the experience as empowering.
Mum-of-two Charmaine, a 42-year-old nurse currently on maternity leave, said the scheme offered “some choice when you haven’t got a lot of choice.” Facing reduced income and rising living costs, she relies on the centre for support. This Christmas, she selected wooden blocks for her baby and a bracelet-making set for her 10-year-old.
“Without this place, you’re quite limited in what you can afford,” she said.
“When you’re financially unstable, you can feel like you’re begging.
Here, you feel dignified. You’re picking what your child would want, it doesn’t feel like a handout.”
Another parent, Naila, 45, who is homeless and living in temporary accommodation with her four children, said the scheme lifted a heavy burden.
“I can’t afford presents, everything is really expensive,” she said.
“When I saw the presents, I felt happy because it meant my kids would be happy. I’m doing my best to make them smile in difficult times.”
The Christmas Choice Room was set up at Bridgeway Hall Methodist Church, where volunteers decorated the space with festive artwork and a Christmas tree. Parents visiting were already users of either the food bank or the associated pantry, which operates through a small membership fee.
Sukai, 47, who both volunteers and uses the pantry, said the difference between receiving a gift and choosing one was significant.
“Last year I was given a present in a bag with my name on it and it was a good gift,” she said.
“But this is better. You know exactly what you’re getting. It’s ideal to choose something my daughter will really love.”
Around 70 parents attended the scheme on the day it opened, selecting gifts for approximately 170 children. After choosing their items, families could take them downstairs, where volunteers wrapped the presents for free.
Mark Knowles, one of the organisers, explained that while donated gifts are always appreciated, they don’t always reflect individual children’s interests.
“We might receive a wrapped present labelled ‘for an eight-year-old girl’,” he said.
“Inside might be a doll, which is perfectly appropriate but that child might love football instead.
“This is about giving parents agency. It’s about delight, enjoyment, and making sure everyone who comes here feels welcome, cared for, and respected.”
For Olabisi, a 39-year-old mother of three, the donations made Christmas feel hopeful again.
“The kids understand when there are no gifts,” she said.
“They’ll say, ‘I’ll pray for you, maybe next year will be better.’
“But this year, it’s already better. Santa knocked at my door and brought me here.
In many ways, it’s saved our Christmas.”
Organisers say the success of the Christmas Choice Room highlights how support services can go beyond meeting material needs, by preserving dignity, choice and joy at a time when families need it most.
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