Call for donations to give all 16 to 18 year olds in supported living a Christmas gift

People across Norfolk are being invited to give 16-18 year olds in supported living a gift this Christmas as part of Norfolk County Council's Christmas Appeal.

Organised by the Children's Services Department, the campaign aims to give every child in supported living a gift, ensuring that young people have at least one present to open this Christmas.

The Christmas Collection campaign for 16-18 year olds has been running several years, increasing in popularity throughout the pandemic. The campaign asks people give digitally by sending e-gift vouchers for local companies such as Sweetzy, Retro Replay and Zatu Games, or purchasing small gifts from local businesses Norfolk Jar Company and Grumpy Panda for the team to collect and deliver before Christmas. Our young people also appreciate receiving vouchers from larger national voucher retailers such as Love2Shop. The deadline for donations is December 16 2022.

Cllr John Fisher, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said:

"Times are tough for many families this year, but we know that teenagers living in supported accommodation may not have their families around them at Christmas and for many, a gift from this campaign may be the only gift they receive.

We've been amazed by the generosity that Norfolk County Council staff and the public have shown over the last few years, giving so generously throughout the Covid pandemic and I'm sure that we'll see that matched again this year. Receiving these vouchers mean such a great deal to these young people so let's bring joy to as many as we can."

Joe Cook, Team Manager at Juventas, a Supported Living scheme in Norfolk, said:

"We really appreciate the gifts that we sent to our young people. It meant that we were able to deliver a little something whether otherwise there would have been nothing to offer on Christmas Eve. Last year our staff dressed as Santa and Elves to deliver the presents. Thank you for the gifts, it really helps".

A young person who was given a gift last year said that they were thrilled to be able to "go Christmas shopping to spend the voucher. I bought slippers and biscuits and shared the biscuits with my friends"

More information on the campaign and how to make a voucher donation can be found on our Christmas appeal webpage.