Santa Claus is taking a break from his busy schedule to meet customers and hand out presents at a popular charity shop in Colchester.
An afternoon of festive fun is being planned at the city’s East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) High Street store, on 20th December.
A series of treats are being organised, and shoppers will have the chance to grab some last-minute stocking fillers.
Other highlights will include a raffle and lucky dip, free books for children and live music.
The main attraction will be a visit from Santa, leaving his workshop to meet customers between 12pm and 4pm.
“This will be the third year in a row we’ve organised a special community event at Christmas,” said shop manager Sammy Mauldin.
“The others have been very popular, with lots of people getting in the spirit and joining us for an afternoon of fun. Hopefully this one will be just as successful.
“It’s a lovely, fun way to encourage more customers to pay us a visit and get in the Christmas spirit.
“We see things like this as an important way of raising both funds and awareness and are rightly proud of our beautiful shop, so enjoy welcoming new and old faces.”
EACH has two shops in Colchester, with the other being its Angora Park store in Peartree Road, Stanway. There are others in Clacton, Dovercourt, Frinton and Halstead.
Deputy Shop Manager Suzanne Baker added: “Sammy and myself would like to thank our customers for their continued support and wish them a very Merry Christmas and prosperous 2025.
“We’d also like to say thank you to our wonderful volunteers, for all their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
“They help us create a real family environment, and anyone interested in joining our friendly team would be very welcome to call in for a chat on the 20th.
“We’re always on the lookout for more help, and there are a range of roles to suit all interests and skill sets.”
