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.”
Flamingo Land stabbing suspect jailed for four and a half years
Discover how retirement is changing with Ilkley & District u3a
Excitement building as Ilkley Live Community Music Festival approaches
Lexus Ilkley Open final wraps a week of world class tennis
Street Hub to replace Grove phone box after appeal
Lexus Ilkley Open delayed by poor weather
Former Lioness travels through Silsden and Addingham as part of Comic Relief challenge
Community singing hub celebrates 10 incredible years through music
RAF Flypast to inspire runners at the Ilkley Half Marathon
Get ready to book for the Summer Solstice Swim
Outside the Box rallies at the Lexus Ilkley Open
All you need to know about the Ilkley Food & Drink Festival this weekend
Explore with The Friends of Ilkley Moor this month
Council says 'fireworks - bang out of order'
Otley Garden Centre unveils plans for new play area
Ilkley councillor asks new Executive committee about financial plans
Ilkley's Summer sporting events need you!
Five ways to support Pride in Ilkley this June
A well-known Ilkley property to go under the hammer
Ilkley Civic Society unveil new Blue Plaque on Wells House
