CRAFTY residents are being sought to help turn old greetings and Christmas cards into new to raise much-needed funds for charities.

Claire Vibrans is seeking support for Community Cards Cheshire, a new, not-for-profit volunteer community group based in Knutsford.

The group will recycle used cards, repurpose and repackage them and sell them at 50p each to raise money for The Hope Central, The Food Bank and Fresh Start Baby Bank at The Welcome.

Group drop-in sessions will be held every Thursday from 10am to 4pm at the Knutsford Town Council offices in Toft Road, from January 30.

Claire said: “We have been busy collecting cards, and currently have about 5,000, so there will be lots of sorting to do and planning, and hopefully we’ll get to make our first cards too.

“There are plenty of jobs for everyone, card making, collecting, sorting, packaging and tea making, and ideas for start-up funding or any new locations for collecting or selling cards are always welcome.

“I am looking forward to meeting everyone - come and join us, get crafty and raise some money for our community. There will also be free tea and chat.”

Knutsford Guardian:

One of the card recycling bins

Card recycling bins are located at Knutsford Indoor Market, Knutsford Library, St John’s Church, St Cross Church, Knutsford Methodist Church, Bexton Primary School, The Welcome Centre, Kids Allowed, Sunrise Senior Living Mobberley and Mobberley Methodist Church.

Claire said the cards which were put together were excellent quality, and would be sold at the venues hosting card recycling bins.

She added: “The scheme also allows people to enjoy sociable and creative time together, and could also help address social inclusion and loneliness within the community.”

For more information, to join the group or host a recycling bin, contact Claire at communitycardscheshire@gmail.com @CommunityCardsCheshire

Knutsford Guardian:

The Knutsford Hope Centre at The Welcome Café at Longridge is open every Monday from 10am to 12.30pm.

The Fresh Start Baby Bank is working with the community to offer pre-loved and new donated baby and children's clothing (up to age eight), blankets and specific equipment to families who need it in the south Manchester area.

Drop-off points include Fentons Farm Shop, Briddon Weir Farm, Rostherne, The Market Café at Knutsford Indoor Market, The Welcome Cafe and The Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow.

Fresh Start is also at the food bank at The Welcome on the first Tuesday of the month from 1pm to 3pm.