Delivering festive cheer to families in need this Christmas

We have been helping to deliver some festive cheer to families in need this Christmas after donating toys to a community hub at a Staffordshire primary school.

Many families have faced financial difficulty in recent years due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. These gifts have been made possible thanks to our generous repairs team, who donated all the loyalty points collected through their purchases of materials. They wanted these to be used to buy toys for children who might not otherwise receive a present this year.

The Homes Plus offices, in Acton Gate, quickly turned into Santa’s Grotto as numerous presents, toys and games, purchased using the loyalty points, began to arrive. The presents included books, Lego, puzzles and crayons.

The Community Hub at Castlechurch Primary School, in Stafford, were delighted to receive a donation of toys for local children, which were delivered by colleagues from our neighbourhoods team.

The Hub offers a warm and welcoming space for families and runs free toddler groups, craft clubs and cuppa clubs.

The presents will be handed out to children whose families may simply not be able afford to buy them something special for Christmas.

Homes Plus supports a wide range of projects run by voluntary groups and organisations here in Staffordshire and Shropshire.

Food banks helping people in need in Staffordshire and Shropshire also benefitted from timely donations from the Homes Plus My Community fund. These were awarded to House of Bread and Rising Brook Food Bank, in Stafford, Kingsway Food Bank, in Wombourne, Cannock and District Food Bank, in South Staffordshire, and Shrewsbury Food Bank at Barnabus Community Church.

“With many families continuing to feel the impact of the cost-of-living crisis we’re pleased that we can help make a positive difference to so many local people, especially at this time of year,” said Homes Plus director of housing, Samantha Allcott.

“The financial pressure of the festivities can put families, who may already be struggling, in difficult situations. We’re glad that we can help make sure our residents are supported.”

Local charities and voluntary groups can apply for funding from the Homes Plus My Community Fund online.