Franklins Solicitors is proud to announce the success of our Pallets of Hope campaign, which has helped bring vital support and festive cheer to families facing hardship across Milton Keynes, Northampton and the surrounding areas this Christmas.
Through the generosity of employees, supporters and local businesses, the campaign has funded 20 pallets of food, clothing, gifts and essential household items, with a combined retail value of approximately £40,000.
Working in partnership with His Church Charity, the pallets were distributed to food banks, schools and community centres supporting those most in need. Beneficiary organisations included:
- Baby Basics
- Foodkind Northampton
- MK Foodbank
- Restore Northampton
- Shenley Community Centre
- The Northampton Hope Centre
- The Shelter MK
- The McCarthy Dixon Foundation
- Water Eaton Foodbank
- Woodford Halse School Foodbank
- YMCA
Fundraising activities included a Christmas Quiz hosted at Franklins’ Ashton House offices, the Milton Keynes tuck shop initiative, and ongoing donations through MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach. Special thanks are also extended to Lynn from A Fitter Life, who went above and beyond in raising additional funds to support the campaign, further strengthening the community’s ability to give.
Andrea Smith of Franklins Solicitors, who spearheaded the campaign, said: “While Christmas is a time when need is more visible, the reality is that many families in our communities struggle all year round. That’s why we are proud not only to lead the Pallets of Hope campaign, but also to provide ongoing support to MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach.
By donating through these organisations, businesses can be confident their money goes further, reaching those who need it most through the incredible work of His Church Charity.”
Richard Humphrey from His Church Charity highlighted the impact of the partnership approach: “We are grateful for all the retail and manufacturing partners who trust His Church to redistribute their surplus products to help vulnerable people through first class front-line Charities, like the 11 amazing organisations we have supported through Pallets of Hope. This Campaign powerfully demonstrates what’s possible when businesses and charities collaborate to make a difference in their communities.”
Local charities receiving support also praised the initiative.
A spokesperson from The Northampton Hope Centre said: “The Pallets of Hope campaign has made a real difference to the people we support. Access to food, clothing and household essentials at this time of year helps relieve immediate pressure and allows us to focus on longer-term support.”
Meanwhile, Hannah Forbes from Baby Basics Milton Keynes added: “The donated items will directly support families with young children who are already under significant financial strain. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved for their generosity and compassion.”
Hollie-Jasmine, Fundraising and Partnerships Officer at YMCA Milton Keynes commented: “We were amazed to get a massive pallet of food from Franklins Solicitors through their Fitter Life Pallets of Hope Campaign yesterday. This food will stock our young people’s kitchens this Christmas. Thank you so much for your generous donation.”
Franklins Solicitors would like to thank everyone who donated, fundraised or took part in the campaign, helping to make Christmas brighter for hundreds of local families – and supporting sustainable, community-led solutions to hardship.
To find out more about MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach and set up a donation, visit
MK Food Reach and Northants Food Reach.
