Pallets of Hope Campaign Delivers £40,000 of Support to Families Across Milton Keynes and Northampton

Wednesday, 17 December 2025 20:58

Families facing financial hardship across Milton Keynes, Northampton and surrounding areas have received a major boost this Christmas thanks to the success of the Pallets of Hope campaign, led by Franklins Solicitors.

The campaign has delivered 20 pallets of food, clothing, gifts and essential household items to local communities, with a combined retail value of around £40,000. The initiative was made possible through the generosity of Franklins employees, supporters and a wide range of local businesses who came together to support families at a time of heightened need.

Working in partnership with His Church Charity, the Pallets of Hope were distributed to food banks, schools and community centres providing frontline support to those experiencing hardship. Organisations benefiting from the campaign 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 and YMCA.

The campaign was supported by a series of fundraising activities, including 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. Particular thanks were given to Lynn from A Fitter Life, whose additional fundraising efforts helped maximise the impact of the campaign and strengthen community support.

Andrea Smith of Franklins Solicitors, who led the campaign, said the initiative reflects a long-term commitment to tackling food poverty and hardship, not just during the festive season.

“While Christmas is a time when need is more visible, the reality is that many families in our communities struggle all year round,” she said. “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 strength of collaboration between businesses and charities in delivering meaningful support.

“We are grateful to all the retail and manufacturing partners who trust His Church to redistribute their surplus products to help vulnerable people through first-class frontline charities,” he said. “Supporting 11 incredible organisations through Pallets of Hope shows what can be achieved when organisations work together for the benefit of their communities.”

Charities receiving support have also spoken about the difference the campaign has made. A spokesperson from The Northampton Hope Centre said access to food, clothing and household essentials during the winter months helps relieve immediate pressure on those they support, allowing the charity to focus on longer-term outcomes.

Hannah Forbes from Baby Basics Milton Keynes said the donated items will directly support families with young children who are already under significant financial strain, while Hollie-Jasmine, Fundraising and Partnerships Officer at YMCA Milton Keynes, described the delivery of a full pallet of food as a vital contribution to stocking young people’s kitchens over Christmas.

Franklins Solicitors has thanked everyone who donated, fundraised or took part in the Pallets of Hope campaign, helping to bring practical support, dignity and reassurance to hundreds of local families, while reinforcing the importance of sustainable, community-led responses to hardship.