IT’S official, for the third year running, Give a Gift is back next month to help give Christmas presents to looked after children in need in Thurrock.
From Monday 26 November through to Sunday 9 December, a tree decorated with over 1,500 stars, each one representing a child whom the council has corporate parental responsibility for, will be placed in the Give a Gift unit returning to intu Lakeside.
Give a Gift relies on generous contributions from local businesses, members of the public and volunteers from the council.
intu Lakeside have once again, kindly donated a unit for the initiative to run from. This year the Give a Gift tree will be located in Unit 7, on Level 1 (Ground floor), next to HSBC at the House of Fraser end of the shopping centre.
McLaren Group, who are building intu Lakeside’s leisure development, have agreed to get the unit in tip-top shape for opening day.
IKEA Thurrock are creating a ‘cosy corner’ and window display in the unit this year.
To help us ahead of opening day, we are looking for local sponsors to kindly donate some important items such as; wrapping paper, selotape, gift bags and gift labels.
We also have a small wish list of items we need to support the logistics of the project. If you or your business would like to get involved with Give a Gift please get in touch for further information – details below.
Cllr Sue Little, Portfolio Holder for Social Care, said: “Last year this project was overwhelming with over 3,000 presents donated to looked after children in the borough and over £7,500 donated to Giving for Thurrock. The kindness demonstrated by local people and businesses was inspiring.
“It couldn’t be easier to put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas. Please come along to the Give a Gift unit to choose your star from the tree and donate a gift.”
For more information and to get involved in Give a Gift this year visit thurrock.gov.uk/giveagift or email communicationsteam@thurrock.gov.uk
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