Integrated building services business, J Tomlinson, is supporting a town-wide food and gift appeal just in time for the busy Christmas season.

In 2016, a struggling family registered with South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA) appealed to the association for support after experiencing a sudden change in their circumstances that had left them with no money to pay their rent or buy food for Christmas.

SYHA contacted Maltby Town Council, and within hours were inundated with donations from generous residents – so many, in fact, that the council was not only able to provide food for this particular family, but also four other families in the local area.

This year, Maltby Town Council decided to launch their own official food and gift appeal and contacted SYHA, who jumped at the chance to get involved. As well as creating referral forms for partners to refer people in need, SYHA also attended the council’s Christmas light event, where Housing Officer Andrew Boulton dressed up as one of Santa’s elves and collected donations for the appeal in return for a coveted ‘Elfie selfie’!

Having worked alongside South Yorkshire Housing Association for almost three years, providing a range of regenerative and maintenance services, J Tomlinson was keen to support the appeal and provide a helping hand to the local community. The company donated £300 worth of Tesco vouchers, which will be split between families in need. The vouchers were presented to Maltby Town Council’s Vice Chair - Councillor John Kirk, with Andrew Boulton of SYHA and J Tomlinson Operations Manager, Glenn Richmond, also in attendance.

The vouchers will be distributed by the council, along with hundreds of much-needed donations – from tinned food to pasta, and porridge to crackers - given by the people of Maltby.

Andrew Boulton Housing Officer at South Yorkshire Housing Association, commented: “No-one should have to worry about being able to put food on the table, especially at Christmas. When we first got involved in the project we had no idea it would grow the way it has, but it’s fantastic to see the local community getting involved and supporting their neighbours.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to J Tomlinson for their ongoing support. Their generous donation really will make a huge difference.”

Antony Newton, Regeneration Director at J Tomlinson, commented: “The Christmas season is supposed to be a relaxing and happy time – however, for those who are struggling, it can be an immensely difficult period.

“J Tomlinson is thrilled to be able to work with South Yorkshire Housing Association and Maltby Town Council in helping to deliver such a valuable initiative, and we hope our donation will go towards making a difference to a family’s Christmas this year.”