Bankside Christmas appeal receives record number of gifts

Better Bankside's Together at Christmas appeal is now in its seventh year, and aims to provide gifts to local charities for the homeless and vulnerably housed within the local area who may otherwise not receive a Christmas present.

This year more than 1,800 items – including thermal fleeces, festive chocolates and toiletry gift sets – were donated via collection boxes across the area.

More than 50 volunteers helped to wrap the gifts which have now been donated to a series of local charities and organisations, including the sheltered housing complex at Lucy Brown House, the Manna Centre for homeless people and Hopton's Almshouses.

"We are overwhelmed with the public response to this year's Together at Christmas campaign and are so pleased to make a difference in so many lives this Christmas," said Liz Prollins, business and community officer at Better Bankside, said:

"Each and every gift donated makes a real difference to the lives of the homeless who may not receive a present otherwise, and we're very thankful to those that donated a gift to our appeal."

Bandi Mbubi, director of the Manna Centre, said: "We're delighted that the Bankside community have put a smile across so many faces this Christmas. The gifts donated really to bring a little Christmas joy to those who have very little, and we're very grateful once again to those that donated a gift – thank you."