Generous employees at County Durham-based believe housing have donated two vanloads of food and gifts to help people who are struggling this Christmas.
Hundreds of books, dolls, games, and other gifts went to a toy appeal, led by Durham County Councillor for Consett Kathryn Rooney.
And more than 1,000 food items were donated to the charity Feeding Families, to fill Christmas dinner hampers for people in need across the North East of England.
Rachel Lister, Communications and Fundraising Assistant at Feeding Families, said: “We need over 140,000 pieces of food to create over 7,000 boxes this year, so the donations from believe housing are absolutely fantastic.
“The amount that came through the door was super.”
Councillor Rooney works with social services, schools, and refuges in County Durham to connect with families who need help.
Supported by volunteers, her appeal ensures many children and young people, from babies to 17-year-olds, do not go without presents on Christmas Day.
She said: “This year has been a huge struggle, with less donations but more people asking for help.
“The donation from believe housing was absolutely amazing.
“When it arrived, I was able to go to bed that night and sleep well. I knew we had enough gifts for the social workers to take to 106 children, and for more young people in County Durham.”
In the weeks before Christmas, people throughout believe housing donated items and raised money to contribute to both worthy causes.
Some of believe housing’s contractors and suppliers also supported the festive campaign, including RE:GEN Group, which gave around £500 worth of toys, Total Construction North East and Ranstad.
Julie Brayson, Director of Transformation and Culture at believe housing, said: “We have a simple core value at believe housing, to do the right thing.
“Our thoughtful staff and partners have certainly risen to the challenge to do just that, so I thank them all.
“The work Feeding Families does year-round to help people experiencing food poverty is remarkable, and we’re delighted to offer our support this festive period.
“Our first homes in Consett are currently being built by Carlton. When we learnt of the toy appeal by local councillor Kathryn Rooney, we were keen to get involved.
“We are immensely proud and humbled to help both appeals, which will make a real difference to many people in our region this Christmas.”
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