Sunderland AFC stars are supporting an appeal to bring gifts to hundreds of Wearside families in need this Christmas.
The Black Cats and their official charity, Foundation of Light, have teamed up with the Salvation Army's Southwick Project as part of the Angel Trees campaign, which encourages people to donate items to those less fortunate over the holiday season.
Gift tag covered Angel Trees have been placed at the Academy of Light, Black Cat House and the Foundation's Downhill Outreach Centre which players, coaches and club staff will remove as a reminder to buy and donate an extra present back.
Gifts can include anything — from soft toys and games to books and clothing — provided they are new and not gift-wrapped, as volunteers will wrap and distribute them to children and families at a later date.
Thanks to the generosity of Sunderland residents, a similar appeal by the Southwick Project last year resulted in over 1,000 gifts and toys being donated to 650 families in need, just in time for Christmas.
Lee Crosby, operations manager at the Foundation of Light, said: “We’re delighted to get behind The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Appeal this year. We work closely with The Salvation Army’s Southwick project throughout the year and we know first-hand how so many families across our region struggle at Christmas. We hope that the generosity of our staff will help reduce some of that pressure and give these families a Christmas to look forward to.
“We’d encourage other businesses from all across Sunderland to get involved with the appeal. It’s a great way of helping your staff get into the spirit of Christmas whilst supporting our local community.”
Southwick project manager, Graham Wharton, added: “Christmas can be really difficult for families in need who want to make it as special as possible for their children but struggle with the cost of buying presents, along with everything else, over the festive period.
“We’re inspired by the message of hope in the Christmas story and believe that giving gifts to families in need is a great way of sharing that hope and showing people facing difficult times that we value them and care about them.”
All gift donations to the Angel Tree Appeal can be dropped off at The Southwick Community Project, Austin House Family Centre, Shakespeare Street, SR5 2JX until 19 December 2016. Volunteers will then wrap and deliver them to families and referring agencies throughout Sunderland.
Further Angel Trees will be springing up all over Southwick and surrounding areas in the coming days, including at several local primary schools and the Regent Business Centre.
Businesses interested in taking part in the appeal and hosting Angel trees should contact Lee Crosby at lee.crosby@foundationoflight.co.uk.