Posted on 16th Dec
Generous members of the community from across the district donated gifts to vulnerable people this Christmas.
Charitable organisation Newark and Sherwood Community Hub gave 36 craft bags to families, put together by hub manager Jill Musson and her team.
The bags were distributed by officers from the Humanitarian Assistance Response Team (HART) at Newark and Sherwood District Council at the start of December.
Community Hub manager Jill Musson, said: “We purchased and put together the bags ourselves without any outside donations apart from our own time and care.
“We have been distributing play bags since the Covid-19 pandemic started with the help and funding from Newark and Sherwood District Council. So far we have made and distributed about 850 bags.”
Gifts were also donated following a Facebook appeal organised by local resident Jodie Churton (pictured), of Carlton-on-Trent.
Jodie received so many gift donations that she asked HART officers to support her in wrapping and distributing them to residents who could be identified as being alone, vulnerable or are working in a caring role.
Jodie said: “I’m a beautician and throughout the pandemic I have not been able to work, but in my spare time I thought it would be a great idea to help the less fortunate out there.
“There’s lots of vulnerable people like the elderly, those who have been made redundant and children who might have lost grandparents or even parents to Covid-19.
“I started a small collection myself and put it on Facebook for others who wanted to donate. So far around 700 gifts have been donated including clothes, gift vouchers and chocolate!
“I was overwhelmed with the response and it really shows how much people care in our community. So many people have said thank you, but it’s all down to local people who have made the idea become such an amazing reality.”
These gifts were donated to multiple good causes in Newark and Sherwood, including the Women’s Refuge more.
Coun David Lloyd, leader of the council, said: “The generosity shown by those in the community has been awe-inspiring. This Christmas will be the most challenging we’ve had in a long time and it’s fantastic to see members of the community come together.”
The team at the Palace Theatre Newark also collected more than 100 gifts for their Palace Presents initiative, distributed to good causes, including Newark Women’s Aid, Emmaus Trust, Beaumond House, YMCA, Homestart and others.
