The Plus Dane team and our community partner organisations have come together to make sure hundreds of people across the region get a little extra support across the festive season.
Hampers, vouchers and toys have been distributed to families across Merseyside, Halton and Cheshire, with a little help from our friends at Mission Christmas, Penny Lane Builders, CIC New Beginnings in Walton, and New Life Church in Congleton among others.
Thanks to the help and generosity contractors and suppliers, more than £27,000 has been received in donations, and we have been able to provide 500 residents of our sheltered and extra care schemes with a hand-delivered individual afternoon tea, as we will not be able to bring everyone together for the usual festive events.
In addition, children from local schools made cards, decorations and gift bags for the residents, which have been delivered over this week and moved many to tears. At Lightley Court in Sandbach, little ones from a local primary school came to sing carols outside for the residents to enjoy.
We have also been working with Cheshire East Council for Voluntary Services, Congleton Town Council, Mission Christmas and the L6 Centre to make sure no child goes without a gift this Christmas, helping to collect and distribute hundreds of toys across its key neighbourhoods.
Emma Sneyd, our head of engagement and partnerships, said: “This week is when all the planning for the winter campaign comes together – it’s been a couple of months in the making and we are in the process of supporting hundreds of customers and families who are struggling, whether its food, toys or Christmas dinners for those living in temporary accommodation. The pandemic has made 2020 such a difficult year for so many in our communities and we have had to think of new ways to help bring people together, help combat loneliness, and offer our support over the Christmas period.
“Thanks to our contractors, suppliers and Cheshire East Council we have received more than £27,000 in donations to be able to do this. It is brilliant to see the positive impact of the campaign every year, but this year it has meant even more. A huge thank you to the band of volunteers who, despite the pandemic, have made all of this happen.”
Plus Dane customers can contact the engagement and partnerships team at any time of year to find out more about the support available, from food bank vouchers to help getting back into work and training. Email engagement&partnerships@plusdane.co.uk.
