A Sefton charity is appealing for community groups and individuals to support a scheme to provide free summer school holiday meals for children across the borough.

Fundraising initiative Sefton 4 Good, which is managed by Sefton CVS, says that many families find the holidays difficult because they rely on the free school meals their children receive during term time.

As a response to this situation, organisers are looking to co-oordinate a borough-wide network of local voluntary organisations and community venues who will be able to plug the gap by offering free meals to children and young people aged between five and 18 in the holidays.

Seven local organisations have already pledged their support to the scheme - two in Bootle, one in Litherland, two in Crosby and a further two in Southport.

Now Sefton 4 Good are appealing for specific support for this initiative and have set up a dedicated BT MyDonate page in a bid to generate crowdfunding support for the initiative. Donations can also be made by phone by texting SEFT44 followed by the amount to 70070.

Funds raised in these ways will help groups with purchasing supplies of food and drink, and organisers are also appealing for volunteers to help in the initiative.

Volunteers are needed to help prepare and cook meals, and also to assist with running activities at the various centres across the borough.

Nigel Bellamy, Deputy Chief Executive Sefton CVS commented: “This scheme aims to provide much-needed support to disadvantaged families who can face real financial problems in the school holidays.

“We’re hoping for a really good response from community groups and individuals, to enable us to provide a free meals service in as many borough locations as possible.”

Organisers are also looking for support and donations from local businesses for specific food supplies and equipment, and those who can support are asked to contact Sefton 4 Good for full details of what is needed.

* Groups or individuals who want to get involved, or for those wishing to make a donation, can contact Sefton 4 Good by ringing 0151 920 0726 or by visiting www.sefton4good.org.uk.