Residents reach out to families in need this Christmas

Canterbury residents have been rallying to donate to those in need this December.

The donations included Becky Louise, who posted on the Canterbury Residents Group Facebook page offering some baby items to a charity that needs them.

She wrote:

“I have some stuff all brand new that I would like to donate.”

https://www.facebook.com/groups/canterburyresidents/permalink/2108075506112535/

The Salvation Army in Canterbury welcome donations and have many projects running this Christmas, such as their Toddler Bank, which gives items to those who are struggling with the financial demands of raising a family.

These items can include baby equipment, children’s clothing, toys and games, which are donated by locals.

Major Mandy Sands from The Salvation Army, described the demand for donations, stating that they have quite a few families registered with the Toddler Bank with an average attendance of twenty plus families each week.

She said:

“We are collecting new toys for all age groups and expect to have at least 120 families on our list (some with several children).”

“People can donate by taking toys to our Christmas Hut on Gravel Walk in the Whitefriars market from 10am to 6pm, or into our centre at Whitehorse Lane between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday.”

https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Salvation+Army+in+Canterbury/@51.2789001,1.0764859,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x47decbca7940b89b:0xf471586f6bb57d75!8m2!3d51.2788968!4d1.0786746

The December donations continued when Sarah Wyllie, also posted on the Canterbury Residents Group, offering a couple of free Christmas trees to families facing financial difficulties.

She wrote:

“Are there any families with young children who can’t afford to buy a Christmas tree this Christmas or local charities or groups that would like an artificial Christmas tree? I have a couple available that I would like to go to a good home.”

https://www.facebook.com/groups/canterburyresidents/permalink/2108458812740871/

In response, others shared their similar experiences. Linda Thornton said: “I also did this last year and a young single Mum was so happy as were her little children.”

Jenny Cross also commented: “I gave my old tree to students the other year they really appreciated it.”