Norwich church and shops team up for appeal 

A Christmas appeal run by Alive Church charity Alive UK and Chantry Place in Norwich, has given hundreds of gifts to support local children and their caregivers and donations can still be made until December 17.

The gift appeal is for families in desperate need in Norfolk and all donations of new gifts are welcome for all ages, including babies, toys for children, presents for teenagers, or those that care for them.
 
Chantry Place has donated 348 selection boxes to Alive UK to help them support Shelter and give something to the 348 children in Norfolk who will be homeless this Christmas. Money was raised at a retailer charity bingo night recently held at Chantry Place.
 
Operations manager, Jo Bates, said: “In just over a week we had 250 gifts donated by visitors and our retailers, and we hope to get many more before the appeal ends on Sunday December 17. We continue to be astounded by the generosity of our visitors to donate and help others, and the incredible and inspirational work that Alive and its team of volunteers does in supporting those in need in Norfolk is nothing short of amazing. Last year, the appeal helped over 700 families and we hope we can help just as many again this year and spread some smiles to those who need it most this Christmas.”
 
Jo Thorne, chair of trustees, and pastor of Alive Church, said: “Thank you to Chantry Place and its visitors and retailers for their generosity. There is still time to drop off gifts and make a difference to families struggling this Christmas through no fault of their own. It is truly heart-breaking what some families are dealing with. Demand is greater than ever this year due to the cost of living crisis and this appeal will help our local community and spread some joy this Christmas. Please donate if you can.”
 
One mum who received gifts from the appeal last year said: “When I closed the door behind me, I stood in the sitting room in silence for about 10 minutes before the tears started pouring down my face. I was awake every night worrying about how I would explain to our babies that Santa was so busy looking after families that needed help that he didn’t think they would mind not having anything. We’d decorated the house with paper snowflakes but how would they feel with no gift? Then there I was, in the sitting room with the answer to all my prayers. I can’t even find the words to explain the relief and joy. Just thank you!”

Donations of unwrapped gifts, toys and chocolate treats are welcomed until Sunday December 17 at the collection point on the lower ground floor of Chantry Place, opposite Boots. Alive UK is also looking for donations of wrapping paper and sticky tape.

Alive UK, supported by Alive Church, is a registered charity. It has around 50 volunteers.

For more information on Alive UK, and to find out how you can support, visit: www.facebook.com/alivechurchonline
 
Pictured above are Alive Church volunteers with some of the Chantry Place donated gift boxes. Picture courtesy of Chantry Place.