Ilkley’s community spirit ensured that 100 low-income families received festive food parcels this Christmas, thanks to a wave of local donations, volunteer effort and rapid last‑minute support from individuals, businesses and community groups.
A coordinated drive led by Ilkley Great Get Together (Ilkley GGT) volunteers drew contributions from schools, clubs, businesses and residents across Ilkley. Donations included Christmas cakes from the Ben Rhydding and Sacred Heart baking competitions, veg supplied and loaded at dawn by new Ilkley business, Moor Fruit & Veg on Leeds Road, and hundreds of muffins and mince pies from Mike at Speedibake. Hovis provided two loaves of bread per family, Tesco donated apple boxes and additional produce, and the Bridge Club and Rotary made significant food donations that helped fill parcels.
Community organisations and volunteers provided essential logistics: Ilkley Grammar School offered packing space, primary schools ran collection and delivery efforts to reach families, and numerous residents stepped in to cook or add items from their own shopping. A last‑minute public appeal prompted residents to deliver crackers, cakes and treats, ensuring every box was festive and plentiful.
Financial gifts from Bradford Council, Ilkley Town Council, Rotary Club, Round Table, the Hammonds Christmas party WhatsApp group and a number of anonymous donors enabled the group to issue food vouchers for use during school holidays. Organisers say the generosity will also fund holiday food support into 2026.
Becky Malby from Ilkley GGT said:
“Thanks for all the amazing donations, from the businesses that arrived at 7am to load veg, to the bakeries, clubs and school teams, everyone pulled together.
“We aim to provide the same funding as schools get in term times for families eligible for Free School Meals (circa £12.50 per week) for the winter holidays when families are juggling winter fuel costs as well.
“For anyone interested in donating please email us at Ilkleyggt@gmail.com.”
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