CHARITIES have teamed up to make Christmas more affordable.
The Green Uniform and Baby Bank (GUBB) have partnered with Trinity Methodist Church and the Salvation Army Winsford to stage a series of free festive events.
Knowing that Christmas can be an expensive and stressful time for many, the charities have decided to pool their resources in the hope of reaching more people through schemes such as a pre-loved toy sale and a Christmas parcel initiative.
Michelle Hawthorn from GUBB said: “We are really enjoying collaborating with Trinity Methodist Church and the Salvation Army Winsford, finding out more about their work and how they support Mid Cheshire families.
“We can't wait to help out with the Christmas parcels, helping to ensure everyone has something to look forward to this Christmas.
“We are also looking forward to holding our toy sale. We have decided to do this again, after it was so popular last year with many families commenting on how much it had helped them at what we all know to be a very expensive time of year.”
The first event, a Christmas fayre, takes place this Saturday (November 16) at Trinity Methodist Church from midday onwards.
Visitors will be able to browse gift and grocery stalls, play games and enter a raffle where a TV is up for grabs.
There will also be a visit from Father Christmas himself, who will be taking note of everyone’s Christmas wishes in his grotto.
Michelle said: “The event is an annual tradition, so if you have been in previous years, you will know what a great afternoon it is.
“All monies taken at this event will go back to support the wider Trinity Methodist Church community work, which they undertake all year round.”
The following Saturday, GUBB’s pre-loved and nearly new toy sale will take place at the church from 10am to 4pm, with everything from bikes and play kitchens to dressing up outfits and action figures on offer.
Donations are being accepted until Friday (November 15) at the Winsford Community Centre on High Street, Trinity Methodist Church or the Salvation Army, Winsford.
Money raised will be donated to Leighton Hospital and 4Louis, a charity which supports families through miscarriage, stillbirth and child loss.
The final event is a Christmas party on Saturday, December 14.
Suitable for families with children aged two to 12, the two parties (12pm to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm) will feature games, a disco, a children’s buffet, a visit from Santa and a gift courtesy of the Darnhall Exhibition Foundation.
Unfortunately, all 100 spaces for this event have already been booked up but anyone wishing to attend can be added to the reserve list by contacting trinitywinsford@gmail.com.
Alongside these events is the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas parcels initiative.
For more than 40 years the charity has provided essentials and presents to families in need, as well as hosting a dinner on Christmas Day.
Donations of toys, toiletries and stocking fillers are being accepted until November 28.
Families in need who live and go to school in the CW6 to CW10 postcode areas are asked to contact their school before reaching out to GUBB or the Salvation Army.
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