Kind-hearted Northumberland residents and businesses show their Christmas spirit

Every year Northumberland County Council receives donations of gifts, toys, vouchers and money to ensure all children and young people in the county receive a gift at Christmas.

The council’s Early Help and Children’s Safeguarding teams, including children's centre staff, have been working hard to collect and distribute donated items and food hampers to families within their communities.

One family who have shown their kindness this year are mother and daughter, Ashleigh and Scarlett, who started collecting toys and gifts in November, with pub landlords Fee and Nick in Bedlington giving £500 to bolster the donations to reach even more children this Christmas.

The Children’s Safeguarding team in Blyth have supported Scarlett’s Christmas appeal helping to get the donations to children in need across the county.

Morrisons in Amble collected and delivered the gifts and toys safely to the team who have isolated them for 72-hours to reduce the risk of contamination amidst the current pandemic.

Marion McKenzie-Long, Morrisons community champion, said: “Morrisons are absolutely delighted to have supported Scarlett and her family in collecting toys for their appeal.

"In these unprecedented times the Amble community have been fabulous at pulling together and we were delighted to be able to facilitate this appeal through the store.”

Board games, dolls, trucks, hairdryers, straighteners, pyjamas and books make up some of the donations.

Whilst this is something that has been done for many years, this year is particularly meaningful due to the impact of the pandemic.

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “As always, we have been amazed and humbled by the generosity of all who have shown such kindness and compassion. As a result, hundreds of children, young people and their families will have gifts to open and food and treats to enjoy during the festive period.

“Thank you to all those who have made this happen, to the organisers, to the donors and to the teams. You really will make a difference and make a child’s day this Christmas.”

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