Delivering festive cheer to Staffordshire families this Christmas
Hundreds of families across Staffordshire will receive Christmas gifts this year thanks to the county’s Family Hubs and kind donations from local charities.
Staff at the county council’s eight Family Hubs have been working with Staffordshire-based charities, businesses and the public to make sure vulnerable families have presents to open on Christmas morning. The gifts being handed out include children’s toys and dolls, books, games, toiletries and clothes.
Local charity ‘A Child’s Heart’ have been busy collecting and wrapping thousands of presents to be given out in the coming weeks. This year, the group expects to give out almost 18,000 gifts to 1,700 children across the region.
Nick Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Our Christmas gift appeal is something that our staff look forward to every year and one that benefits hundreds of local families right across the county.
“For many children, presents at Christmas time is a given but for some of our more vulnerable families, Christmas and the associated costs can be a real challenge. This is where our Family Hubs, working with local charities, can step in to help make sure children have something waiting for them when they wake up on Christmas Day.
"I’d like to thank everyone who has donated gifts and a special shout out to A Child’s Heart, who again this year have been outstanding with their collections. Thanks to the kind efforts of all concerned, we’re able to spread a little more Christmas cheer to Staffordshire families.”
Julie Armstrong from A Child’s Heart said: “Each year, it amazes us how many children are in care or a vulnerable situation through circumstances beyond their control. Whilst we can't change these kids' lives, we can at least put a smile on their faces during Christmas.
“This year has been our biggest year to date, with just under 1,700 sacks of toys being distributed across the Midlands and Staffordshire. We would like to thank all the sponsors, gift givers and elves that have helped make this all possible. Anyone interested in helping out or sponsorship next year can message us through our Facebook page @achildsheart.”
Lichfield Family Hub is one of the centres who received over 70 Christmas gift bags from ‘A Child’s Heart,' which are being sent to the foot of Christmas trees throughout the city. More than 20 food hampers from a local business have also been donated and are on their way to local families.
Staffordshire County Council’s Family Hubs, along with their partners, provide a wide range of support and services to families with children aged 0-19yrs and up to 25yrs with special educational needs and disabilities.
This includes help with things like parenting, infant feeding, childcare options, health services and advice on 0-5 early years activities. Staff can also signpost people to support on things like housing, financial wellbeing, education and much more.
Further information is available on the Staffordshire Family Hubs webpage.
