Make Christmas special by donating a gift to young people in supported living
People across Norfolk are being invited to give 16-18-year-olds in supported living a gift this Christmas as part of Norfolk County Council's Christmas Appeal.
Organised by the Children's Services Department, the campaign aims to give every child in supported living in Norfolk a gift, ensuring that young people have at least one present to open this Christmas.
More than 100 young people in Norfolk live in care and supported accommodation and can often spend Christmas alone, without their families. Supported living is a housing model that provides care and support to help people live independently. The Christmas Collection campaign has been running for several years and gives the people of Norfolk the chance to show how much they care by donating gifts and voucher to young people living in supported accommodation.
People can give via physical gifts that can be dropped off at Norfolk Libraries during opening hours, digitally purchasing hampers from Norfolk Jar Company or shopping vouchers from stores such as Boots, Primark, Sports Direct and Tesco. Physical gifts need to be stocking filler type items such as toiletries, gift sets, socks, blankets, small games, hats, gloves, and sweet treats.
Norfolk Jar Company have once again created a bespoke £5 hamper containing hot chocolate, sweet bottles/jars, chocolates, lollies and lots more goodies, providing treats for young people over the Christmas season. These can be found at norfolkjarkitchen.co.uk and are called 'NCC gift appeal hamper'.
Cllr Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children's Services at Norfolk County Council, said, "Last year, more than 200 parcels were gifted to children and young people living in, or leaving, care.
"The Norfolk Jar Company have already sold 30 of their bespoke hampers, which is an amazing start. The generosity from both staff and the public over the last few years is incredible to see. Receiving these gifts or vouchers could be the only gift they get this year, so let's bring joy to as many as we can."
The deadline for donations is Friday 12 December to give time to sort and distribute gifts and vouchers before Christmas.
More information on the campaign and how to donate can be found at www.norfolk.gov.uk/christmasappeal.
