Coordinated by the Council’s Community Wellbeing team, the donations will be distributed through the district’s network of community hubs, providing families and individuals in need with gifts, food hampers, Christmas treats and boxes of essential items in time for Christmas.

Councillor Jim Sinnott, Portfolio Holder for Safer, Healthier and Active Communities, said: “We are thrilled with how our Christmas appeal has been embraced by our staff and partners, with dozens of gifts for children of all ages and other seasonal items placed under our ‘gifting trees’. In addition, we are grateful to our contractors; Bell Group, Axis, Dodd Group, Stannah, D&K Heating, Shield, Fire Safe Services, Tersus and Ian Williams who have taken our call for assistance to heart with very generous financial contributions from their teams.

Our thanks must also go to our partners at the Brunswick Hub, Sydni Centre, Packmores, The Gap, Chase Meadow Community Centre, Young People First and Helping Hands whose work will ensure that these gifts will reach people in our community who are struggling and may otherwise receive little or nothing this festive season, due to financial or other pressures.”

Helen Wilkinson, Wellbeing Officer at the Sydni Centre said: “We are so incredible grateful for the donations made at this time of year. The money has been used to provide 35 Christmas Hampers that we are distributing to families in need within our community! They are making huge difference to people struggling with the costs of Christmas. From all of them and from all of us at the Sydni Centre we'd like to say Thank You!”

Jo Whitten, Manager at Chase Meadow Community Centre added:
“We are truly grateful for the generous donations of toys and financial support. Every family received multiple gifts for each child, along with a hamper of food and a hamper of Christmas treats. We were also able to host a wonderful Christmas community event with free activities and a visit from Santa. These gifts and experiences have brought joy to our families and eased the financial pressures they face at this time of year, making the season brighter for everyone in our district.”