THERE are just 19 days to go until Christmas Day. The decorations are up, the mince pies are being stockpiled and festive cheer is spreading through the borough.

While we hope you are looking forward to the big day, we are also thinking of those who are dreading December 25th. This time of the year can be hard for many people. There are elderly residents who may be isolated from that seasonal happiness, putting off the thought of another Christmas alone.

There are families struggling to make ends meet again over the festive season which lasts not just for one day, but for weeks.

The Tribune has reported on real hardships in 2019 and every year we want to give something back to help the community.

We know times are tough and money isn’t flowing, but we hope you can consider donating to our hamper appeal. It enables us to deliver a box of treats to someone deserving and is our contribution to making sure that those people know that someone does care about them this season.

We’d also be grateful to those wishing to fundraise through an event, such as a sponsored run, cake sale or a pub quiz.

And if you know anyone deserving of a hamper this Christmas, please do get in touch by emailing hamperappeal@islingtontribune.co.uk