News People of Maidstone helping to make Christmas happen at the Donations Hub

The Maidstone Christmas Donation Hub has been a huge success thanks to people giving so generously.

Since it opened on 13 November the hub run by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), has received over 400 donations – with the equivalent value of nearly £10,000, but there are now just a few days left to make a difference as it will close this Saturday – 16 December.

The Maidstone Christmas Donation Hub is a project introduced by MBC and The Mall to support local charities with all the donated items being shared between the charities which distribute the gifts to those who need them most.

The project has seen so many donations already which will help make Christmas happen for people who are struggling to celebrate this year. The team is asking for a last push to make a difference and asking as many people as possible to donate to the hub this week before it closes.

Generous traders in the shopping centre are also getting involved including ToyTown.  Manager – Max Duffy, has set-up a stand in the store where shoppers who buy toys can donate one to the charity hub at the same time.

Commenting on the idea, Max said:

“We have seen first hand as retailers in Maidstone how so many people are feeling the pinch this year.  It is really hard for some to manage with their shopping costs and so many have had to cut back on Christmas this year.

“The Donation Hub is a fantastic initiative and we at ToyTown are only too happy to help and support in any way we can.”

The team at Santa’s Grotto in The Mall are also supporting the hub and have donated free visits for children too.  Mark and Gill Howells, who runs the Grottos said:

“The team at the Grotto love the idea of the Christmas Donation Hub. It is our pleasure to be able to give something to bring a little bit of festive fun and a smile to the faces of some of the children in Maidstone who may otherwise not get a chance to visit Santa this year.”

Working in partnership with The Mall Maidstone, MBC has been running the Christmas Donation Hub from 13 November and the team working there have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown so far.

Cllr Claudine Russell, Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Arts added:

“The kindness of the people of Maidstone who have been supporting the Christmas Donation Hub has been incredible.

“The rising cost of living means a lot of people are finding it difficult to pay their utility bills, cover the cost of their everyday shopping and don’t have any money left over to spend on festive extras.  The Donation Hub was set-up by The Council and The Mall to help spread some festive joy.  I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Your support and generosity has been incredible and will help bring some Christmas cheer to those who need it most.”

The Christmas Donation Hub - open until Saturday 16 December is located on the upper level in The Mall, next to the children’s soft play area, and will be open to receive donations of new children’s toys, festive gifts, Xmas decorations and non-perishable food items.

The charities that the project is supporting include:

• Blackthorn Trust
• Fusion Healthy Living Centre
• Harmony
• Making a Difference to Maidstone (MADM)
• Maidstone Community Support Centre
• Salvation Army
• St Martins Church Shepway
• The Princess Project
• The Vine Church
• Trinity Community Centre
• Wishing Hearts

To find out more about the Maidstone Christmas Donation Hub please go to the community pages on the MBC website: www.maidstone.gov.uk

---