AGE UK LEICESTER SHIRE & RUTLAND LAUNCHES ‘MAKE WAY FOR SANTA’ CAMPAIGN

AGE UK LEICESTER SHIRE & RUTLAND LAUNCHES 'MAKE WAY FOR SANTA' CAMPAIGN

With seven weeks to go until the big day, Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is calling on the local community to donate their pre-loved toys and games in order to "Make Way for Santa", so more local families can have an affordable Christmas.

The charity is often inundated with donations after Christmas when Santa has already been and gone, but this year, they're encouraging everyone to make a difference by having a clear out and donating new and unwanted toys and gifts to share the gift of giving and sprinkle a bit of magic to children this Christmas.

With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to make a considerable impact, a whopping 41% of UK adults are worried about how they will be able to afford gifts this season, with over half saying they plan to cut back on presents this year. By shopping at one of the Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland's charity shops parents can benefit from a budget-friendly option which also supports living sustainably.

Donors can take pride in the knowledge that all money raised from the sale of goods donated is used to support local, vulnerable older people in the community through services such as befriending for the lonely and isolated, information and advice for those struggling to pay their bills and respite services to support older carers.

Nicola Norris, Head of Retail of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland commented: "Our aim is to make children's dreams come true by providing a more affordable place to shop for Christmas gifts this year. In order to make this a reality, we're asking for help from the local community to 'Make Way for Santa' and donate good quality toys, games, puzzles, books and gifts. We all have gifts tucked away in our cupboards, toys that have been played with once or that they have grown out of, why not donate those items and give them an opportunity to be loved and appreciated by someone else."

The charity will be hosting a festive donation workshop in its Beaumont Leys (32-34 Fletcher Mall) shop and at the Reuse Shop at the Recycling Centre in Hamilton (5 Gypsum Close) where shoppers can find a flurry of festive gifts to buy as well as donate – and keep your eyes peeled as we hear Santa and some friends may be making a few special visits.

Donors can drop off their donations at any of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland's 27 shops across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. A full list of shops and their open times can be found here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/leics/shops/.

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is also encouraging donors, who are UK taxpayers, to sign up and Gift Aid their donation. The charity can claim an extra 25% from the Government on the sale of Gift Aided items – at no extra cost to the donor!