More than 1,500 fun food and activity ‘holiday bundles’ are being sent to Dorset children who need it most this Easter.
Volunteers and council staff took over County Hall in Dorchester to create the bundles for families who have been hardest hit by the pandemic, take a look! https://youtu.be/qUwELM6qPZk
The bundles, which are being distributed through Dorset Schools, contain high quality nutritious ‘cook boxes’ with ingredients for two cooked meals (for 4 people each), as well as fun activities for children and young people to try at home over Easter.
Around 70 volunteers from the Volunteer Centre Dorset recently stepped in to help and Waitrose, Co-op and Tesco also donated ‘bags for life’ which the bundles were packed in. Dorset Council’s school transport service with support from countryside rangers, have been delivering the bundles to schools across the county.
Other projects are underway to help families dealing with financial strain over the Easter holiday, such as Easter in Dorset, a programme that offers free activities and healthy food to children who receive benefit-related free school meals. Families who are eligible, can also still sign up here to book free fun activities this Easter, including sports sessions, bush craft, art workshops and much more!
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to pull together with our community to deliver something fun for Dorset children who need it most. Thank you to all our amazing volunteers who gave their time to help Dorset families. This year has been incredibly difficult for many, we all hope that these holiday bundles bring some joy to children and families.
“It is not too late for eligible families, who receive benefit related free school meals, to book free Easter holiday activities. We also wanted to offer something to all Dorset families, so we have pulled together ideas and activities that every family can enjoy this Easter, we wish everyone a very happy holiday.”
Dorset Council is also working hard to ensure that there is plenty of things for all children to do this Easter. Things on offer include online activities to take part in, home activity ideas and we are also updating our Family Information Directory with the latest local activities on offer.
The Easter in Dorset bundles and activities are being offered in addition to the £30 Free School Meal Vouchers that are available to families over the Easter holiday thanks to the COVID Winter Grant Scheme.
The Easter in Dorset programme has been delivered thanks to funding from the Department for Education’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme.
The bundle packing was done in line with current COVID guidance from Public Health Dorset, to ensure the safety of staff and volunteers. Activities on offer at Easter will also adhere to the current COVID guidance.
Well done ! Brilliant for the young people to be given the extra surprise parcel, alongside healthy food for the holidays. On top of that the wide range of activities both at home and elswhere.
Our council showing it’s most caring and inovative side.
Well done for organising the Easter holiday packs. Very commendable.
I wonder what happened to some of these parcels as many children receiving free school meals didn’t receive them.