The Palace Theatre Newark, which is hosting the Christmas panto Dick Whittington And His Cat, is again hosting its festive gift donation initiative Palace Presents.

Scheme founder and Palace Theatre operations manager Emma Driffill said: “We were absolutely astounded by the response to last year’s Palace Presents. The incredible generosity of our theatre visitors resulted in around 220 gifts, worth over £2,000, being gifted to 5 deserving charities.

“It’s been another difficult year for many and we’re really hoping that with the help of the wonderful people of Newark that we’ll be able to brighten as many, or more, people’s Christmases this year.”

This year, the number of charities being helped has doubled to 10 with YMCA Newark and Sherwood, Homestart, Newark Emmaus Trust, Beaumond House, Children’s Bereavement, Women’s Aid, Think Children, PAACT and HUG – Help Us Grieve all set to benefit. Some charities have requested specific donations including toiletries, hats, socks, pyjamas, mugs, bowls, note pads and diaries for the YMCA, supermarket vouchers for Homestart, clothing and Argos vouchers for Newark Emmaus Trust and felt tips, crayons, playdough and colouring books for Think Children and HUG.

People wanting to get involved and donate a gift for the scheme should include a removable tag on the donation, stating the type of present enclosed and the gender and age range it’s suitable for.

These can then be dropped off at the Palace Theatre Box Office from Wednesday 1st to Saturday, 18th December during its opening hours of 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Saturday, or when attending a show.

For more information go to palacenewark.com/palacepresents.

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