Employees at Havant based Lockheed Martin have helped support local charity YOU and its beneficiaries this Christmas. The organisation signed up to the 2011 Business in the Community Christmas Gift Appeal and has since been raising donations to help the homeless. The response from employees has been fantastic, with a variety of items donated, which will help to support the local homeless move on from sheltered to independent living.

Employees were asked to pick up one extra item on their trip to the supermarket. Set up in the main reception, around the Christmas tree, the employer’s donation point soon began to fill up. From juice to shower gel a variety of everyday items were donated, many of which we take for granted.

‘We were delighted to be able to support YOU through this appeal’ said Krysia Ruff, Senior Communications Representative, Lockheed Martin, ‘Knowing that your donations will make a difference locally, has really enthused staff to support.  It shows what a difference can be made.’

‘We’re delighted with the support from Lockheed Martin and Business in the Community,” says YOU Chief Executive, Nicola Youern, “it may not seem much but, for some people, everyday items are often the very things that people struggle to afford at this time of year.  Receiving these donations can really help boost confidence and put a smile on someone’s face.’

The goods will be bundled up into mini hampers and distributed by local charity YOU. The charity works with local people who face social exclusion, providing a range of services, across southern Hampshire.  With local centres in Havant and Portsmouth the goods will make a big difference to those in the local community this Christmas.