Over six hundred and fifty children to benefit from Christmas gift collection.

This year staff and representatives from across the council, residents and partners have generously donated over six hundred and fifty gifts which will be handed out to some of the city’s most vulnerable children and young people this Christmas.

Cath McEvoy Carr, Director of Children, Education and Skills, Cllr Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for a Growing City, Cllr Marion Williams, Cabinet Member for a Connected, Clean City and Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader, Newcastle City Council.

The ‘Best Christmas Ever’ collection, as part of the city’s Evry initiative, invited those who felt able to contribute a gift to ensure Children in Need and Care Leavers wake up to a wrapped present on Christmas morning. The gifts were donated via Newcastle City Council staff and via an online Amazon wish list, with hundreds of thoughtful items such as gloves, scarves, headphones, and toiletries being donated.

Cllr Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for a Growing City, Newcastle City Council said: “Young people can find Christmas a tough time, and the cost-of-living crisis continues to put extra pressure on families. It is fantastic that despite these challenges so many local people have donated to this great project to make sure vulnerable children and young people have a special Christmas, and I would like to thank everyone involved in making it such a success.”

With thanks to partners the Best Christmas Ever also included:
• A Christmas party for care experienced young people with music provided by Newcastle College
• A free performance of Pinocchio for children and young people who may otherwise miss out courtesy of The Theatre Royal.
• Free access to Christmas themed events including NE1’s Search for Santa and Urban Green’s Northern Lights.

For more information about what’s on to support families over the festive period visit: Newcastle Support Directory