Give a gift to Norfolk's young people this Christmas

People across Norfolk are being invited to give 16-17 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 -17 year olds has been running several years, and over 200 young people are lined up to receive gifts this year. The campaign asks people give digitally by sending e-gift vouchers for local companies such as Norfolk Jar Company, Retro Replay and Grumpy Panda, or from larger national voucher retailers such as Love2Shop.

Norfolk Jar Company have a created a bespoke £5 hamper, containing Hot chocolate, Sweet bottles/ jars, Chocolates, Lollies, S'mores, etc. providing treats for young people over the Christmas season. These can be found at https://norfolkjarkitchen.co.uk/shop/ols/products/ncc-gift-appeal-hamper

The deadline for donations is December 20th.

Cllr Penny Carpenter, NCC's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said "These gifts offer a small moment of joy for these young children facing difficult situations, who often feel alone isolated, particularly at times such as Christmas. These may be the only gift some of them receive this year. Thank you to everybody who generously donates, and to the local businesses taking part too."

We've been amazed by the generosity that NCC 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 could be the only gift they get this year, so let's bring joy to as many as we can."

Andy from Solace Partnerships, said "Christmas is a time of year when our young people are reminded of how alone they are as they do not have family to share this special time with, our community comes together with food and celebration. Your kindness makes this possible."

A young person who was given a gift last year said "Last year we were given tickets to watch a film in Norwich, we had never been to a cinema before and this made our Christmas special"

More information on the campaign and how to make a voucher donation can be found at http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/christmasappeal