Cotton Court appeal scores more than 900 gifts for local children

Cotton Court's Christmas Gift Appeal has received more than 900 gifts and gift cards which will be passed on to families struggling with the cost of living crisis.

The drive was organised by Cotton Court, which operates business centres in Preston and Chorley. It's the 11th consecutive year the appeal has collected gifts to make sure that every child and young person supported by Barnados in Lancashire has a gift to open on Christmas morning.

The appeal was a resounding success, with the team gratefully receiving unwrapped gifts to one of their multiple donation sites, as well as gifts and vouchers ordered online.

Paul Cooper of We Clear Blockages, who donated to the appeal, said: “I love the Cotton Court Christmas Gift Appeal because it allows lots of people to do their bit, and collective all those bits add up to make a big difference to those that are struggling at this time of year. These children are our next generation and without Cotton Court and their team, this simply wouldn’t happen.

Rob Binns, CEO of Cotton Court, said: “We have been blown away by everyone’s generousity and how the Lancashire community has come together to support this year’s appeal.

"There are so many different things happening in the world that we can’t change, so it’s important to try and make a difference when you can, no matter how small."

Debbie Nolan-Plunkett, assistant director at Barnardo’s said: “Christmas is often taken for granted by children and young people who get caught up in the excitement and know Father Christmas will deliver on Christmas Eve. Not all children and young people have the good fortune to be able to expect presents and will often go without.

“This gift appeal, organised by Cotton Court, really does give back the spirit and excitement of Christmas and allow all of the young people living in our accommodation in Lancashire to receive a gift.

"Our staff teams love to see the excitement on young people's faces when they open their presents and feel the Christmas spirit. These gifts are also distributed to families who may be facing hard times especially given the cost of living rises and the extra financial challenges families face when they have a sick or disabled family member."