BINGO players in Taunton are being urged to back a campaign to help those in need this Christmas.

Mecca Bingo Taunton, Corporation Street, is launching its second Everyone Deserves a Christmas appeal, which provides hampers to individuals and families during the festive season.

The UK-wide appeal involves all 71 clubs across the country and aims to provide hampers to those most in need, allowing them to go through the Christmas season more comfortably.

Last year, the bingo brand partnered with 52 charities to raise an incredible total of £185,000 in cash and hamper donations, providing 3,800 hampers across the UK.

This Christmas, Mecca is upping its efforts and going above and beyond, especially in a year which has shown food poverty to be an ever-increasing issue.

A new goal was set, with the aim of providing 4,000 hampers across the UK, each valued at £50 - a total amount of £200,000.

Mecca Bingo Taunton is getting involved again this year and is raising money for Love Musgrove, Musgrove Park Hospital’s official charity.

The community can help both in club and online by dedicating time, donating goods such as non perishable food and drink or unopened toiletries or by donating money.

All donations will allow the creation of Christmas hampers, which will be distributed by the local charity to those most in need.

Finally, Mecca will be hosting special Christmas Charity games, with all profits being donated to the Everyone Deserves a Christmas appeal.

Charity bingo games will be hosted in all Mecca venues on November 27, with a linked game sponsored by the Bingo Association and a prize fund of £2,000.

A Mecca Taunton spokesperson said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing back Mecca’s Everyone Deserves a Christmas appeal for a second year and to be helping those who need it the most within our community.

"Christmas should be magical and we are determined to make it as special as can be for as many as possible.

"We just couldn’t do this without the incredible support of our customers and local supporters – we know this year that people will exceed all expectations with their generosity.”

From now on until Wednesday, December 10, customers can also get involved by playing online at Meccabingo.com with all charity game proceeds going to Mecca’s chosen charity, the Carers Trust.

To donate to Mecca Taunton’s chosen charity, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/EveryoneDeservesAChristmas2021.