An appeal has been launched to ensure that North Yorkshire children experiencing hardship will receive a Christmas gift this year.
Yorwaste, which operates 22 household waste recycling centres across the county, is working with North Yorkshire and York councils to get donations of good quality used toys, games and books into the hands of young people experiencing tough times this Christmas.
The Reuse Santa Appeal is calling for households to donate good quality pre-loved items and unused gifts to families in the region who may be struggling to give their youngsters the Christmas they deserve this year.
The appeal is also asking for gifts suitable for young teenagers, who may be living alone or acting as carers.
The public is being encouraged to donate clean, good quality, functioning and complete gifts, suitable for young people aged up to 18, to be placed in the designated collection areas.
Once received the donations will rest for at least 72 hours before being taken by a designated driver to be inspected, disinfected and delivered to No Wrong Door, which supports young people who are within or on the edge of the care system.
Suitable gifts will be selected and distributed, via the Children’s Social Care team, to young people who are most in need – given as part of a Christmas family bag, which will also include gift wrap, tape and other items and information to help make Christmas a little easier.
Teri Owens, team manager at No Wrong Door, said: “This appeal has the power to transform Christmas for many young people.
“It’s always a hard time of year for people experiencing hardship, but the pandemic has made it even more difficult for parents and young people to access even very basic provisions.
“This appeal may provide the only gift a young person receives this Christmas, and items that have been valued and taken care of will really convey a sense of worth for those with low self-esteem and difficult living situations.”
County Councillor Andrew Lee, executive member for business and environmental services, added: “Since the very beginning of the pandemic, I have witnessed phenomenal kindness amongst the people of York and North Yorkshire and I’m certain this appeal will resonate with the general public. All donations will be extremely welcome, however, I urge people to ensure the items they are donating are in a condition they, themselves, would hope to receive something in.”
Richard Bate, commercial operations director at Yorwaste, said: “As a business, we’re fully committed to supporting the local community and the environment, and this is the ultimate way to do something amazing whilst minimising waste. Things that are not suitable for the Reuse Santa Appeal can still be recycled, and our site staff are always on-hand to help customers place their waste in the correct place.”
The waste recycling centres locations can be found at www.northyorks.gov.uk/hwrc
Be the first to comment