Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, is calling for the community to dig deep and support a fantastic local campaign raising funds for Hitchin Choices, a local youth group for young people with special needs. 

Over the run up to Christmas, volunteers have knitted fantastic festive toppers placed atop several postboxes in Hitchin to get us all in the Christmas spirit and raise money for the group. 

Hitchin Choices is a weekly group for young people with special needs. They play games, socialise, bake, dance and go on external trips, ensuring young people with additional needs have social opportunities they might otherwise miss out on.

 It was set up by volunteers due to the absence of alternative local provision and relies on donations to fund their activities. 

 Strathern visited the organisation last week to champion the group and support their efforts. 

Funding is needed for DBS checks, insurance, safeguarding training, activities and food and drink. They are provided free rent and a cash grant from the Hitchin Youth Trust but operate on a shoestring budget and need the communities support to secure their future. 

People can support the fundraiser by donating at https://gofund.me/be5d15d3 and payment by cash can be made at The Visit Hitchin Office or with Kim at The Haberdashery. 

Alistair Strathern MP said: "It was fantastic to meet with Hitchin Choices' incredible volunteers and parents, and the brilliant young people it supports".

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 "I want to say a huge thank you to Karen, Sue and everyone involved in putting on this fantastic fundraising campaign and getting us all ready for Christmas!"

"It was great to join Hitchin Choices for one of their Friday evening sessions and get involved in some highly-competitive table tennis - I'll be needing to put in some practise before I come back!"

"It was so clear to me how this youth group makes a huge difference to these young people's lives, and the volunteers and parents running it deserve all of our support."