
Christmas is set to be a little brighter, and warmer, for families in need around Medway, thanks to donations of thousands of gifts and coats.
Medway Council’s Christmas appeal prompted an outpouring of gifts for children and young people, with our drop-off points around Medway inundated with new presents.
The gifts have now been gathered up, and will be hand-picked by practitioners for the most suitable families - before being sent out to Lapland for final delivery of course.
Among those who got involved were Matt and Jenni Wright-McFry, along with daughter Ivy, who organised a collection at Brompton Barracks, where Matt is based as a lieutenant colonel.
Their appeal saw them inundated with gifts, which they handed over to Medway Council’s Kelly Cogger, Assistant Director for Children’s Social Care this week.
Jenni said: “I just thought it was a worthwhile cause and something we could make a difference with. The community here really wanted to support it and we had a great response.”
Meanwhile our Family Solutions Service has successfully delivered its 2024 Winter Coat Drive, handing out more than 1,500 coats to families across Medway.
The Coat Drive was created to respond to rising cost-of-living challenges, and is arranged in partnership with schools, community organisations, faith groups, and voluntary services,.
Family Solutions successfully collected 1,691 coats, which were distributed at events and from our four children and family hubs across Medway, with surplus coats redistributed to local charities, clothing banks, and organisations supporting families experiencing homelessness.
Christmas appeals will make a huge difference
Cllr Adam Price, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children's Services, said: “Both the gift appeal and coat drive have been fantastic initiatives that will make a huge difference to children and families across Medway who need our help. The response from everyone supporting the appeals has been amazing and I want to thank everyone who’s been involved in arranging and supporting both efforts.
"Receiving presents on Christmas day will make all the difference in making Christmas a happy occasion for some families, and new coats will be hugely important in keeping children warm and dry though the winter. I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas.”