Published on: 21 December 2020
Our children’s Christmas gift appeal, which last month called on the local community for donations of brand-new presents to help bring Christmas to struggling families in Medway, has received an overwhelming response.
The appeal, which was launched last month by Snapdragons Children’s Centre in Strood, has seen well over 300 presents donated and distributed to local children and their families who are supported by Snapdragons and who may not have been in the position to have presents this Christmas otherwise.
Snapdragons Children’s Centre is run by Medway Community Healthcare (MCH), providing support across a multitude of disciplines for children, young people and their parents.
The presents have been generously donated from across the Medway community including MCH’s own staff, their families and friends and members of the public, Harmony House staff, St. Andrews School in Rochester and Red Eagle Foundation. Gifts have also come in from local businesses including Morrisons Walderslade and Nationwide. An additional donation of £400 worth of Usborne books has been received and will be distributed to families.
“We have been overwhelmed by the incredible support we have received from the Medway community,” explains Karen Adgie, Family Engagement Officer at Medway Community Healthcare. “We have been busy sorting the presents for our children and their siblings and a few toiletries gifts have gone to parents as well. Our wonderful regular volunteers David and Anne have been busy wrapping and our staff have been out delivering. The feedback from families has been so rewarding. One parent described how happy they were to be able to give their child a present come Christmas morning.
We are very grateful to everyone for caring and supporting our unique children through this appeal. Thank you to everyone who donated - you are helping to put smiles on the children’s faces.”