Delivering hope to the doorsteps of struggling children!

The Box of Hope Story

When COVID-19 pandemic first hit the UK, TLG were incredibly concerned about children and families going into isolation without basic necessities. Children whose parents were already on the poverty line and facing food insecurity, whose homes were already unsettled and whose lives were already filled with anxiety.

COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, a devastating impact on financial security and emotional wellbeing for millions of people. With so many families desperately struggling long before the pandemic hit and many more struggling now, it was vital that we stepped up to reach those in need.

Box of Hope was our response. Each parcel contained food supplies for the whole family, essential household items, activities and wellbeing resources, information on other support and messages of hope from our supporters. We partnered with 244 churches around the UK to deliver Box of Hope, churches who lovingly sought to bless their communities during such a crucial time.

Together, we’ve reached thousands of families! Box of Hope has been a lifeline for many, providing essential support both practically and emotionally.

The two-metre space between me and the person at the door receiving a Box of Hope became a sacred space during COVID. We laughed and cried together, I’ve listened and my heart has broken. I have been inspired by people’s resilience, wisdom and kindness. Box of Hope has enabled us to build true authentic community. - Revd Lynsey Heslegrave

We've now delivered over one million meals!

This incredible milestone is symbolic of so much. It serves as a humbling reminder of the desperate need that still exists across the UK. Behind this huge number are families; brothers, sisters, parents, carers... who have gone through a heartbreaking struggle. But it also shows that there is hope! Thanks to the relentless dedication and love of churches across the country, we will continue to reach out to those in crisis.

Sarah, her husband Sean and their 7-year-old son Archie were fearful and anxious of the impact of COVID-19 on their family.

With a reduced income and bills still to pay, getting food on the table was challenging. Sean normally works in pubs and clubs, so he could no longer work, and the loss of school made Archie restless and miss his friends. Yet the TLG Make Lunch team in their community delivered Boxes of Hope each week to Sarah and her family, relieving strain and pressure in an unprecedented time.

Fresh food, staple household items and arts and crafts for Archie helped to provide both practical and emotional support to the family, whilst the quick doorstep chats with a friendly face each week allowed connection to be kept up too.

“My favourite ingredients to cook with were the couscous and aubergine. I loved getting the deliveries from the fire engine too and seeing what activity pack I got each week” said Archie.

The volunteers are amazing. Each parcel kept us going for a few more days which was a God-send - Sarah

Thank You!

We would like to say a massive thank you and well done to all the volunteers, churches and supporters who have worked tirelessly over the past year to reach families in need. The unquestioned resolve that no family or young person should go without food or support has made a transformational impact on hundreds of communities and thousands of families around the UK! It truly is a testament to the sacrifice, love and generosity of those who have gone above and beyond to meet the needs of those on their doorstep.

What next?

Long after the pandemic ends, families will continue to struggle unless we reach out to them. So TLG would love to partner with your church to reach these families, spreading hope far and wide across the UK. TLG Make Lunch enables and equips churches to bring hope to struggling children through holiday lunch clubs. Each club provides free, hot and healthy meals to children and families who would otherwise go hungry. Through TLG Make Lunch, your church can provide vital support to some of the most vulnerable children in your community and, in addition, build relationships with families in desperate need of the loving support of your compassionate church family.

If you would like to find out more about how your church can get involved in reaching those struggling in your local community, click here to enquire about running a TLG Make Lunch programme.

Watch Box of Hope in action!

What happens when a church, a school and a supermarket join forces to bring hope to one of the most deprived areas in the country?!

Watch this short film to see the impact that TLG's Box of Hope is having in cities like Hull: