The Return of the Giving Tree
Priory Meadow is bringing back their Charity Giving Tree as a centrepiece for the shopping centre this Christmas for the seventh year running. The idea is to encourage visitors to buy a Christmas gift for the children of local families using Hastings Foodbank while out shopping.
Hastings Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
Cheryl Carey, Hastings Foodbank Co-Manager, says: “Christmas is a difficult time if you are struggling to make ends meet. Families suffer anxiety and guilt at not being able to give their children a present at Christmas even though they are struggling to pay their bills and eat,” adding her thanks to Priory Meadow “for helping support those in our community who are finding it particularly difficult right now”.
Shoppers can join the initiative, which is already live, by selecting a tag from the trees located outside Marks and Spencer, purchasing a suitable gift, then taking the gift and tag to Kids Stuff Toys, who are kindly hosting the donation point.
All gifts should be new and should not be perishable. They should also be donated unwrapped so that each child can receive a suitable gift. “We are passionate about this initiative with our wonderful charity partner,” Shopping Centre Manager Andy Harvey says. “Each year the generosity of our shoppers exceeds our expectations, and we receive hundreds of gifts for the children. On behalf of Priory Meadow and Hastings Foodbank, we would like to say thank you in advance.”
He also makes a special request for donations aimed at pre-teens and teenagers – to compensate for a tendency to buy gifts for babies and younger children. Suggestions include books, toiletries, make-up, accessories, stationery and gift vouchers.
For more information on Priory Meadow Shopping Centre visit priorymeadow.com For more information on Hastings Foodbank visit hastings.foodbank.org.uk
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