Luton woman opens pop-up shop to ensure families in need have essentials this Christmas

A woman from Luton has opened a pop-up shop at St John's Church to ensure that families in need have the essentials they need over the festive period.

Katja, who is the church vicar's wife, has been providing food hampers for families referred to the church by the food bank, family workers and nurseries.

She has now decided to open a free pop-up shop providing supplies for a free pop-up shop where families can stock up on essentials like nappies, fruit, vegetables and toiletries.

Katja and her friend Jenny Murray have set up a fundraising pageto raise money to purchase the supplies.

Katja said: "My husband is the vicar at St John's Church, in Farley Hill, and we have been helping in the area for many years.

"Families not being able to afford food during the school holidays is a real problem in Farley, and some people really struggle to get the extra money.

"We started it a few years ago and we cooked meals for children who needed the it, and we also went that step further and showed them how to cook meals and we did activities with them.

"This had to stop because of the pandemic but we found people needed help and support at that time, more than ever

"So we started creating hampers with essentials in like basic food, toiletries and nappies

"We had over 2,000 made up during the first lockdown and we stopped in August.

"Now, we have decided to do something similar, but we are creating a pop-up shop where people can come and collect what they need.

"The money raised will help to buy the essentials, basic food, toiletries and nappies.

"I appreciate it's been a tough year for everyone financially, however any donations would be greatly appreciated.

"Huge thanks once again in advance, please share this and let's make a real difference to our community."

Jenny added: "Katja has been doing a lot of work to help the community over the years and this year she posted on the Caddington Facebook page looking for donations for hampers she was making, she was putting selection boxes and cakes in and loads of people offered to donate items.

"She is also going to have the church open so families can go in and get essentials like nappies, toiletries, fruit and veg over the Christmas period.

"I offered to help set up a Go Fund me page to raise money for the items and help raise awareness of the work.

"It is for Farley Hill and Caddington families who have been put forward through local services and schools."

To support the campaign visit: uk.gofundme.com/f/holiday-hunger-2020.