Members' efforts in Southend, Westcliff and Basildon resulted in over £23,000 worth of goods arriving at the Fiesta for the containers, from Essex CSC.
Donations included computers, sewing machines, new clothes and toys. The Essex container appeal started in November 1996, with a public meeting held to present reports from three container delegates from the previous year. The hard-working campaigners achieved local and national publicity through BBC Essex Helpline and Co-op News. Meetings were held with church groups, Basildon Racial Equality and the Co-operative Womens Guild amongst others, whilst the local Co-op Bank provided space for an appeals poster and a box for Educational Aid. A transport crisis was narrowly averted when a local gas heating company boss came up with the offer of a driver and a van at the last minute, which was "... a wonderful end to months of hard work" says Rita Weiss.
Essex members celebrated their achievements at a well-deserved garden party in August, which was attended by Carlos Acevedo of the Cuban Embassy.