Residents have created knitted toppers for post boxes around Hitchin to help raise money for a new charity that provides a space for young people with special needs to socialise.

The money raised from these kitted toppers will go to Hitchin Choices, a charity set up by a group of parents who refused to surrender when their children’s previous youth group closed due to lack of funding.

Hitchin Choices is a vital lifeline for these young people to help them develop social skills, make friends and have lots of fun. 

Hitchin's post box toppers have been crowd pleasersHitchin's post box toppers have been crowd pleasers (Image: Courtesy of Karen Potton) Karen Potten, one of the parents who refused to allow this club to close, is now on the committee of the new charity and has been a driving force for fundraising.

She said: “The response from the community has been hugely positive.

“As we have been putting the toppers on the post boxes, we have had people coming up to us saying how brilliant they look. 

“Many people have also said how great it is that we are raising funds for this cause, as back when their children were younger there was nothing like this for their children.” 

Festive post box toppers have been made in aid of Hitchin ChoicesFestive post box toppers have been made in aid of Hitchin Choices (Image: Courtesy of Karen Potton) The six post box toppers were created by four dedicated ladies who together made a variety of 3D designs on top of the knitwear from penguins skiing, to Christmas puddings. 

At the time of writing, Karen has raised £1,481, which will go towards insurance, DBS checks, safeguarding training, activities, external trips and refreshments for those who attend Hitchin Choices. 

Karen is also in the middle of completing a 874-mile sponsored virtual walk, from Land's End in Cornwall to John O’Groats in Scotland. 

Other parents have also been busy fundraising, with virtual horse races, a cake sales and a sponsored walk. 

Currently, 12 to 15 young people benefit from this charity with interest from others in the community growing since the start of their fundraising.

Karen said that in the future they hope to be able to put on more of a range of activities and some trips to help further develop the youngsters skill set and experiences. 

To help this cause and donate money to the charity visit, gofundme.com/f/hitchin-choices-christmas-postbox-topper-campaign

To support Karen's sponsored walk, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/karen-potton?utm_term=MZYbeb33g