The cost of living crisis has hit many people across the North West hard, including here in St Helens.
Soaring utility bills and ever-increasing food shop costs are forcing lots of families to breaking point.
With the school holidays just around the corner, we know lots of families will be worried about how they’re going to put food on the table and buy the essentials.
Some parents and guardians will even miss out on meals and prioritise their children’s hunger instead - something nobody should have to do in modern-day Britain.
But you can help a hungry child this summer.
Six local newspapers across the region - including the St Helens Star - are coming together to raise money for their local foodbank.
Foodbanks are a vital and lifesaving asset for many struggling, vulnerable people across the region. We're aiming to raise £5,000 per foodbank/organisation in six areas.
Staff at these incredible organisations, including St Helens Foodbank, have already set aside much-needed provisions ahead of schools breaking up for the summer holidays - and your donation can help them continue to support those in need.
Last month we reported that St Helens Foodbank had appealed for more food donations to feed those going hungry in our town.
The newspapers - The Bolton News, Lancashire Telegraph, The Oldham Times, Wirral Globe, Warrington Guardian and St Helens Star - are all part of Newsquest Media Group.
Andrew Kilmurray, editor of St Helens Star, said: "We know the pressures that families face across our communities, especially at this time of year when the long summer school holiday arrives.
"This period presents them with challenges and sadly the soaring levels of inflation - especially for food - means this year many will feel this strain more severely than before and may need to turn to foodbanks.
"When there is an increase in demand, it puts strain on supplies at the foodbanks so we're calling on our loyal readers, partners and the businesses we work with to do what they can to support the St Helens Foodbank this summer.
"St Helens Star is proud to be part of this campaign alongside our sister titles in Newsquest and we'd urge you to do what you can to support it."
We know times are tough but we think it’s essential for us all to pull together what little we can to help those who are in dire need and might not be able to feed their children - let’s strive for no hungry kids in the North West this summer!
You can donate to St Helens Foodbank via our dedicated GoFundMe campaign here.
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