With Christmas fast approaching Basildon Council has teamed up with the Eastgate shopping centre to collect gifts for the women’s refuge, homeless hostel and food banks in the borough.
Shoppers are being encouraged to buy one extra gift, or food item, or piece of warm clothing to donate to those less fortunate.
Councillor Gavin Callaghan, chairman of the policy and resources committee, donated the first gift.
He said: “It is very important at this time of year, that we take a moment to think of those in our community for whom Christmas isn’t always a joyous event.”
Gifts should not be wrapped and can be donated up until the 13 December at Eastgate shopping centre, next to Santa’s grotto, Basildon Centre reception, Wat Tyler Centre and The Place, Pitsea.
Welcome gifts are quality clothing and unused toys, games and books.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel