Published: Thursday, 20th December 2018
More than 400 children across Warrington will have a happier Christmas after residents and businesses generously donate gifts.
Warrington Borough Council’s neighbourhoods team has been inundated with donations over the past two months ready to help families suffering from financial difficulties.
Residents and businesses have been dropping off new toys, gift vouchers, sweets, non-perishable foods, toiletries, books and new nightwear to ensure children aged 0 to16 have a present to open on Christmas Day.
This year the team has made Christmas even more special by making up a Christmas Eve gift box for families to enjoy. Boxes include snowman soup (hot chocolate), reindeer food, chocolate, books, crayons and colouring books.
Around 170 families have been supported with the generous donations, with each child also being sent a special letter from Santa.
All families who have received a present have been referred to the service by health and wellbeing partners across the borough.
The appeal was supported by many local organisations including Sellafield Ltd, Morrison’s Stockton Heath, Warrington’s Older Peoples Forum, Friends of St Elphin’s Park, The Quakers and Cheshire Police, as well as council employees and local residents.
Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and community, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the amount of donations we have received this year. People’s generosity and willingness to help others who are less fortunate is truly amazing. It’s a sad fact that during a time of joy, festivity and celebration, some children have little or nothing to look forward to at Christmas.
“We are delighted that, due to the generosity of council employees, residents and local businesses, we have been able to bring some Christmas cheer to so many families. We would like to thank everyone who donated as, for many families, these gifts are the only ones they receive.”
