The community support group is collecting donations so that children who are less fortunate can receive a Santa sack this Christmas, and is also organising its ‘Great Christmas Front Garden Competition.’

The group aims to raise enough money to buy 90 Santa sacks to be distributed to deserving children from Ferndown and West Parley.

Hannah Hobbs-Chell, of Ferndown Community Support, said: “Having delivered 90 Santa sacks last year, we realise the importance and obvious need to support those less fortunate, and our sacks contain essentials such as stationary and toiletries, as well as toys and educational items such as board games and books. We are so excited and privileged to be able to offer these to children and teenagers alike in our community, all thanks to the wonderful community support we receive.”

Jo Taylor, who is part of the pastoral team at Ferndown Upper School, said: “Ferndown Upper School is delighted to be working with Ferndown Community Support again this year. Last year FCS donated over 40 sacks to teenagers who receive free school meals at FUS. You always wonder how teenagers will react to gifts in this way from school, but wow, the response from our young people was incredible. The students who received the sacks were incredibly grateful and very emotional – recognising that their community has worked together to provide them with these gifts and make a real difference to their Christmas. It is a special and humbling moment each year that sticks with the pastoral team for a long time. We’re so incredibly grateful to everyone who makes a donation and to FCS for this opportunity for our students – thank you.”

Each sack costs £20 to put together and you can either pay for one sack, or donate an amount of your choosing. People and businesses can make donations to support the initiative by visiting the website www.ferndowncommunitysupport.org.uk.  The deadline for donations is 11 December. Business sponsorship is also being sought.

The ‘Great Christmas Front Garden Competition’, which is being sponsored by Meyers Estates Ferndown, gives Ferndown residents to go head-to-head with their neighbours in a friendly decoration and illumination competition. First, second and third prizes equivalent to £65, £40 and £20 respectively will be awarded. Entries will be judged on their creativity, fun, ingenuity and overall wow factor. Judging will take place on 20 December.

Entry forms can be found online at www.ferndowncommunitysupport.org.uk