Published: 02 February 2012

THANKS to the generosity of you – our big-hearted readers – the New Journal raised a bumper pot of cash over Christmas for our annual festive Hamper Appeal.

It was one of our best ever fundraising efforts, bringing in donations of all sizes, including generous sums from market traders who collected for us throughout the year, pubs who held quiz nights, clubs having a whip-round or simply individuals who wanted to remember the true spirit of the season and do something for others who find themselves in tough times.

Now the gifts have been handed out, we have some funds left over to distribute on your behalf.

With crucial services for older people facing massive funding shortages this year, and similar facilities for young people also under pressure, we want to offer a helping hand.

We would like to hear from luncheon clubs for older people, from school breakfast clubs, and other community groups who in this chilly financial climate are finding it hard to keep providing an excellent service to those who most need it, who could do with a small grant from the New Journal to help them weather the grim financial climate.

We’ll keep you posted about the deserving causes we will be offering a helping hand to in the coming weeks.

• Please write to
The Editor, Camden New Journal, 40 Camden Road, NW1 9DR, telephone
Jean Tirebuck on 0207 424 3256, or email dcarrier@camdennewjournal.co.uk