AHEAD of Christmas, several local charities are appealing to the public’s generosity as part of their annual winter fundraising drives.
As families across the UK make festive plans, organisations such as West Northumberland Food Bank, Tynedale Hospice at Home and Hexham Salvation Army are preparing for what is typically their busiest and most challenging period.
Winter appeals provide crucial income for services that rely heavily on public support.
West Northumberland Food Bank
West Northumberland Food Bank says it has had a "strong community start" to its Christmas Food and Gift Drive. Launched last week from Hexham’s Waitrose store - a partner of 13 years - volunteers filled two full vans with festive food items and small gifts for adults in just one day.
Lee Colman, manager of Waitrose & Partners, Hexham, said supporting the appeal is a way of "extending that warm feeling" of Christmas while offering "essential support for families and children in need".
"It’s been great to support this campaign and do something practical to help Hexham families who might struggle this Christmas, because we know that this winter may be the toughest yet for many," he said.
Independent stores, including Green Bee, Matthias Winter and Grace and Purpose, have also been gathering festive donations, while others, such as Robson Print, Beautiful Betty, Beauty Spot, Derek’s Shoe Bar, Dickinson Optometrists, Inky Thinking and Lola Mac have shared the appeal and helped raise funds.
This year, the food bank is also partnering with Grateful Bread, which will donate 50p from every Christmas toasted walnut and cranberry sourdough loaf sold.
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Food bank CEO Sam Gilchrist said these relationships are built on "consistency, conversation and trust".
"Support here is not about big gestures. It’s the steady, practical help that builds up over the years and carries people through the toughest months," she said.
Christmas food and gift donations remain open until Friday, December 12, however, the food bank says continued support will help households not only over Christmas week but throughout winter.
Residents can support the appeal by donating festive food items, small gifts for adults, or funds to help the charity buy essentials when supplies run low.
Tynedale Hospice at Home
Tynedale Hospice at Home is also calling for support and donations for its retail shops as demand for its services rises during the festive season.
Jenny Russell, head of income generation, said: "We rely on our retail arm to help fund our hospice at home care services. We always need donations of gift sets, good-quality toys, boots and shoes. Our furniture store looks for good sofas, beds and anything suitable to be re-gifted.
"The festive period can be particularly difficult for those experiencing grief, and our trained staff can help children, teenagers and adults navigate this grief, often without a waiting list."
As part of its Big Give campaign, raising funds for its free transport service, the charity has smashed its £30,000 target ahead of the deadline. The service provides the only free one-to-one transport in West Northumberland and Ponteland for adults with life-limiting illnesses, offering short-notice bookings, room for companions and early-hospital-appointment travel.
"We are profoundly grateful to our community for their exceptional generosity during The Big Give. Together, they raised an outstanding £32,059. This remarkable result reflects the unwavering commitment of our community to supporting local families during immensely challenging times," she said.
"We extend our sincere thanks to all who contributed; such an achievement would not have been possible without their compassion and steadfast support”.
Hexham Salvation Army
Hexham Salvation Army is nearing the end of its annual Christmas Toy Appeal, ensuring every child can experience "the joy, dignity and hope of Christmas" regardless of family circumstances.
Territorial Envoy Jason Wearmouth said: "Each year we support local families facing hardship, crisis or domestic abuse. This appeal is about more than toys - it’s about restoring dignity to parents and reminding families that they are seen, valued and not alone."
All gifts stay within the local community and are distributed through schools, social workers and partner agencies.
The charity is collecting new, unwrapped toys at the following locations:
- Hexham Salvation Army, Market Street
- Tesco Hexham, Tynedale Retail Park
- Gateway Into the Community, St Mary’s Wynd
Those who prefer to donate online can use the charity’s Amazon Wish List, accessed via: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/PQB9TI89GWES
The appeal closes Friday, December 12, after which toys will be sorted and distributed in partnership with Rosie’s Corner.
Families already known to services can collect gifts on December 16–18 at Hexham Salvation Army.
A self-referral session will run on Thursday, December 18.
Jason Wearmouth said the charity is "extremely grateful" for the community’s ongoing generosity.
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