SPAR donates 432 Christmas gifts in support of Mission Christmas

James Hall & Co., SPAR wholesaler for the North of England, has donated over 430 festive gifts for vulnerable Lancashire children living in poverty this Christmas.

Organised in support of Rock FM’s Mission Christmas campaign, staff across the company have been fundraising and donating teddy bears and toys, in a bid to prevent children from waking up on Christmas morning without a present.

Tomas Garliauskas, corporate social responsibility coordinator at James Hall, said: “It is a sobering thought to think that thousands of families across Lancashire struggle to afford Christmas and have to prioritise food and heating over treating their children to a Christmas present.

“James Hall & Co. and SPAR already support numerous food banks throughout the North of England but staff really wanted to do something special to treat children local to our Lancashire depots. Teams have been donating money and gifts from across the company, including James Hall & Co.’s depot in Preston, our company owned bakery, Clayton Park Bakery in Accrington and Fazila Foods in Bolton.”

Tomas added: “We are delighted to be able to hand over 337 teddy bears and 95 games, school bags, stationery gift sets, chocolate selection boxes and toys. Members of staff will also be volunteering their time at the Mission Christmas warehouse, helping to sort and wrap presents, and we would like to wish anyone receiving a gift from Mission Christmas, a peaceful and happy festive period.” 

Nikki Thompson, charity manager at Cash for Kids, said: “Big thank you to James Hall & Co. and their staff! Teddies are enjoyed by children of all ages and we are absolutely delighted to be able to include these in our offering. They will make hundreds of children and their parents very happy on Christmas morning!”

“We have applications to support over 18,000 children who are living in poverty in Lancashire and the number is rising daily. We have over 400 drop off points where you can drop off brand new presents and donations can be taken online at Rock FM’s website – help us make this a record Christmas!”

For more details about Mission Christmas and Cash for Kids, visit www.rockfm.co.uk/missionchristmas

For more details about James Hall & Co. visit www.jameshall.co.uk