Boxing star Anthony Joshua has called for donations ahead of a hamper Christmas giveaway for local families most in need.

AJ's charity Clean Herts Community and another Watford-based charity Fresh Ego FC are joining forces to help the community.

They plan to provide essential food hampers to low-income, vulnerable and at-risk families in Watford and nearby.

The two-time heavyweight champion, who grew up in the Meriden, says in a video: “The festive period is fast approaching and what I have realised is that a lot of people are actually unsure on how to connect with communities and give back.

“We want to raise some funds and get some items. Your help will be appreciated.”

The two charities decided to come together this year as their work had overlapped in the past.

Fresh Ego FC aims to raise awareness of mental health and racism through football, fashion, music and engaging local communities.

Read More

Its co-founder Jon Reuben said: “We do lots of work in the community and so do Clean Herts Community.

“It was an evolution for us to work together. We plan to gift 350 hampers to families. Finding families is a careful process.

“We have linked up with the Watford Trust and Clean Herts Community has connections to schools in the area.”

Watford Observer: Donations have already been made for the Christmas give away.Donations have already been made for the Christmas give away. (Image: Fresh Ego FC)

The hampers will feature food including perishable and non-perishable items and they will also contain toys for children.

So far, the charities have received gifts from sporting companies Puma and Nike and to date a Go Fund Me page has raised £7k of its £15k target.

The charities encouraged more donations and volunteers to help pack and deliver the hampers. Packing starts from December 15 and deliveries begin on December 23.  

Watford Observer: Organisers and volunteers have come together to pack the hampers. Organisers and volunteers have come together to pack the hampers. (Image: Fresh Ego FC)

For Fresh Ego FC, this year is more poignant as it marks one year since its founder Marvin Morgan died on December 6.

Mr Reuben said: “This year has been even more important to us to push the message since Marvin died.

“We are both Watford born and bred.Watford is our community and is important to us.”

Watford Observer: Donations have been grouped together ready to go into the hampers. Donations have been grouped together ready to go into the hampers. (Image: Fresh Ego FC)

To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/FreshEgoFCxCHC-community-giveback.

If you would like to get involved, contact Giveback@freshegofc.com. 

Clean Herts Community offers help to people throughout the year.

Contact the charity through its Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/cleanhertsco/ to find out about their monthly support programmes.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.