Generous shoppers have the chance to spread some festive cheer and put smiles on faces this Christmas.
Bury St Edmunds’ The Works, which specialises in books, art supplies, toys, games and stationery, is collecting gifts to be donated to the town’s East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop.
Customers can buy and then donate items, and it is the second year running the stores have joined forces. Last Christmas, kind-hearted shoppers donated a mountain of presents worth nearly £1,000.
All donations are subsequently sold by EACH – generating funds to help the charity continue its vital work, caring for and supporting families across East Anglia.
Stephen Hughes, the manager of EACH’s shop in St John’s Street, said: “It’s very generous, and we’re extremely grateful to our friends at The Works.
“I was overwhelmed by people’s kindness last year, collecting so many incredible toys and presents.
“Customers were incredibly generous and there was so much, I had to make three or four collections.
“The vast majority went straight onto our shelves, generating income that raised funds directly for children and families receiving care and support.
“However, there were also lots of arts and crafts sets, including pens, pencils and paint, that I was able to send straight to The Treehouse (EACH’s hospice in Ipswich).
“Hopefully people are similarly kind and generous this year, because these donations really do make a difference.”
The Works customers can buy anything in-store and leave it with staff to put in their collection basket behind the counter. They may like to take advantage of the store’s ‘two toys for £12’ or ‘three for £15’ promotion.
“People started buying and donating things as soon as the collection basket went on display,” said Lisa Dubery, manager of Bury’s The Works.
“It’s a wonderful example of community spirit, spreading some seasonal cheer in the build-up to Christmas.
“Lots of people like to help us during the festive season and this is a fantastic, simple way to show your support.
“I’m sure it’ll gather momentum as we get busier and busier, but it’s great to be off to a flying start.
“The things we sell bring a lot of joy, and it’s lovely to extend that happiness to the children and families receiving care and support from EACH.”
Items can be bought and donated right up to Christmas Eve.
