Volunteers spreading joy to thousands of kids this Christmas

Tens of thousands of items are set to be donated across the west of England to spread joy this Christmas to families in need.

From toys for children staying in emergency accommodation to a unique campaign ensuring that young people can enjoy the magic of a pantomime performance, a team of volunteers have been working hard to support families.

Everything from toys and food, to sleeping bags and gift packs have been collected by charities and organisations over the past few months.

Volunteers will be distributing the items over the coming week to people in need.

Families spending Christmas in emergency accommodation in Gloucestershire are being supported by the YMCA in Cheltenham.

The housing charity has collected gifts to ensure no child staying in the temporary homes wake up without a present on 25 December.

Rob Charsley, head of communities, health and wellbeing at the charity, said the need for their services is growing.

“Last year we had over 50 children waking up in temporary and emergency YMCA accommodation and this year we think it’s going to be over 90.

“We’ve asked for donations from the public and businesses to help make sure all of our families wake up with presents under the tree this year,” he added.

Elsewhere, volunteers in Taunton have been creating “bags of joys” as part of homeless charity ARC’s Christmas offerings.

The packages include practical things including shower gel, brushes, combes, but also items people can enjoy like sweats, chocolate, novelty socks and decorations.

Rosie Hather, ARC’s head of development, said “It’s simply about spreading that joy and putting a smile on someone’s face.”

Wiltshire Creative, a performing arts charity, has been running an appeal to ensure children are given the opportunity to attend a pantomime.

Helen Taylor, director of development, said more than 1,000 pantomime tickets have been “given to families and children who otherwise would not be able to get to come along”.

“We strongly believe that live performance should be something that everybody should get to enjoy and there’s nothing more special at Christmas time than a Pantomime.

“No child should be missing out on that wonderful, joyful experience,” she said.

Families will be able to watch a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk at Salisbury Playhouse.

Meanwhile, a pop-up hub in Bristol is offering food and a cinema experience.

Caring at Christmas run the event during Christmas week at the Trinity Centre in Old Market and need volunteers to help.

Alv Hirst, from the group, said they could not do it without the help they receive.

“We really depend on volunteers to do what we do. We need almost 500 volunteers over Christmas to make it happen.

“When people sign up to volunteer they know they’re going to be making an impact and that impact is lasting change. It’s making someone’s life different, not just today but going forward,” he said.