Last few weeks to support Alive Christmas gift appeal to help Norfolk families

The Alive UK Christmas appeal, which we are supporting, is in full swing with just a few more weeks for people to donate gifts. The appeal this year has already collected 1,128 Christmas gifts and treats for local children and their caregivers, and people have until Sunday 15th December 2024 to donate, with organisers hoping to match last year’s total of 2,101 gifts. The Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News are partnering with Alive and us on the appeal.

Last year 2,101 gifts and treats were donated, triple the amount from 2022, and this resulted in more than 900 families being helped over the Christmas period. People can donate unwrapped gifts, toys or chocolate treats, such as selection boxes, at a collection point on the lower ground floor of Chantry Place, opposite Boots, until Sunday 15th December 2024. Alive UK is also looking for donations of wrapping paper and sticky tape.

Alive UK is a local charity which aims to provide emergency support for people in crisis in Norfolk. All gifts will be given to families in desperate need in Norfolk and all donations of new gifts are welcome for all ages, including babies, toys for children, presents for teenagers, or those that care for them.

Jo Thorne, chair of trustees, and pastor of Alive Church said: “Last year we helped many families and the generosity of visitors at Chantry Place was overwhelming. It makes such an incredible difference to these families who are struggling and we hope to be able to spread some more Christmas magic this year.”

Jo Bates, operations manager at Chantry Place, said: “We continue to be overwhelmed with the generosity of our customers, our retailers and team at Chantry Place and we have already received so many gifts for the appeal this year. This really is the last push now, so it would be wonderful if people who are able to contribute to the appeal could pick up something extra when they are doing their Christmas shopping. The reason we do this every year is because we know the different it makes in our local community to families struggling and hearing the stories from the Alive volunteers is truly heartwarming.”

Alive UK, supported by Alive Church, is a registered charity. It has around 50 volunteers. For more information on Alive UK, and to find out how you can support, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/alivechurchonline