In the news: Council Leader launches Christmas gift drive to support local children in need

With the festive season fast approaching, Basildon Council is calling on the community to make donations of unwrapped toys, gifts, and hampers for children aged 0 to 16 who will spend the season in challenging circumstances. 

Donations will be collected at the Basildon Centre, St Martins Square, SS14 1DL - Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm each day up until Friday 13 December. 

Councillor Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, urged local people and businesses to get involved, he said: "This Christmas, no child in Basildon should go without. I am calling on the entire community to support with donations of Christmas presents for children living in temporary accommodation. 

"Right now, many families in Basildon are facing extraordinary challenges. We have hundreds of families in temporary accommodation that will spend Christmas day in one room with their parents and siblings, with no access to a kitchen to cook a Christmas dinner. The thought of these children going to bed on Christmas Eve in these rooms, hoping for a miracle, is haunting me. 

"The need to continue to support residents through the cost of living crisis has been something my administration has been acutely focused on since we came to power in May. Whether it's the Warm Homes Guarantee, the Education Essentials Grant or the Christmas Gift drive, we're delivering on our promise." 

The festive season can be a particularly difficult time for families already struggling with hardship. Living in temporary accommodation can feel isolating and overwhelming, particularly for children who, at this time of year, should be enjoying the magic of the season. 

By coming together as a community, we can make a real difference to those who need it most. Councillor Callaghan expressed his gratitude to those who have already contributed and called on others to get involved: "I would like to thank everyone who has already made a donation. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference to those who need it most this festive season. Every gift counts. Together, we can make this Christmas brighter for children and families who truly need our help." 

Basildon Council also invites gifts for single parents and vulnerable adults living in temporary accommodation in Basildon.

Please email christmasgiftdrive@basildon.gov.uk for further information on how to donate or get involved.  

Ends 

Published 15 November 2024

Notes to editor: 

Contact Basildon Council's Press Office at pressoffice@basildon.gov.uk for further information. 

The following donations will be accepted: 

• Toiletry and makeup sets

• School bookbags, lunchbags and stationery sets  

• Children's toys lego, dolls , pushchair , footballs , arts and crafts sets, board games         

• Sweets and selection boxes 

• Note books, diaries and journals  

• Gift vouchers for primark , whsmith or toy shops 

Guns, swords and weapon type toys will not be accepted.