THE true spirit of Christmas is being spread around Moreton thanks to a community savings scheme that helps families who are less well off.

Moreton Community Awareness scheme has received a cheque for just over £470 from the Warner's Budgens store as a result of tokens donated by its customers through its community savings scheme.

Community Awareness chairman Meg Adamson said the committee was thrilled to continue receiving the support of the store.

“This cheque will be an important contribution towards buying Christmas gifts for children in and around the Moreton area whose parents are struggling to buy food and pay their bills, let alone find the money for Christmas presents. We would like to thank Guy Warner and the customers of Warner’s Budgens in Moreton for supporting us," she said.

Community Awareness helps low income families throughout the year by providing items such as essential bedding, household goods, children’s clothing and school uniform. Last Christmas this voluntary organisation provided 109 children with Santa sacks containing toys, games, stationery and books. Over 60 families were given seasonal treats and with the help of local organisations such as Warner’s Budgens and Todenham Manor Farm, provided the most needy families with boxes of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat.

This year Community Awareness expects to help a similar number and members are already sourcing the gifts they will need to fill the sacks.