Generous seven-year-old raises money to buy special care packs for the homeless people of Northampton

Isla pictured with her care packages, which she fundraised for herself.

Big-hearted seven-year-old Isla Baggett, from Raunds, has been raising money and creating care packs to help homeless people which she has donated to the Hope Centre, in Northampton.

The youngster thought of the generous idea after seeing homeless people when she was out shopping with her mum.

They would often buy a cookie or hot drink for them, and in the run up to Christmas she wanted to do more to help those less fortunate than herself.

Isla said: “It made me feel so sad seeing people on the streets and I just wanted to do something to make them feel better. So, I thought of the idea of care packs.”

Isla first needed to raise money to buy the contents for the packs. So, she sorted out her playroom and bedroom and sold some toys and her friends and family also donated cash, raising £150.

Isla added: “I sat with mummy and we talked about how homeless people were maybe feeling and what they may need and then came up with a list of socks, pants, long sleeve tshirt, hats, gloves, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, water, notepad and pen, cereal bars, crisps, chocolate and sweets.

“I also included a Christmas card, so they know who it’s from and that someone is thinking of them”.

Her mum, Sadie said: “Isla is such a kind, generous child, she just wants to make a difference. When she is older, she wants to be a paramedic so she can help people.”

Louise Danielczuk, Northampton Hope Centre fundraising and marketing manager added: “This is such a fantastic idea from such a thoughtful young lady. I am so impressed with how Isla thought of the idea, fundraised, and then actually made the packs.

“I know our service users will really appreciate the care packs and they will bring a smile to many people this Christmas."

The impact of covid-19 has vastly increased unemployment and poverty and demand on the charity has increased fourfold.

Services for homeless people are a huge part of the charity, and Hope offers help through their day services, training and casework services to manage the impact of homelessness and help people move on.

The Hope team also helps people with other needs including isolation, loneliness, addictions, mental health problems, abuse, trauma, as well as people who have none of these problems, but are just short of money.

To ensure the charity can continue its life saving and life changing work this Christmas please do donate.

Text HOPE4CHRISTMAS to 70460 to donate £5 or log the website here to see how you can help in other ways.