Tesco shoppers across the North East are being encouraged to donate new and unwrapped toys at their local store to support charities and community groups helping families in need this Christmas.
Until December 20, large and selected express Tesco stores are holding toy collections for new and unwrapped toys purchased in store. Local charities will then distribute the gifts to children who may otherwise go without. Each charity or community group receiving support has been chosen by staff who have built up connections through their store’s support for the community.
Where the donations go
The gifts could go to charities and organisations ranging from hospices and children’s hospital wards to foodbanks and the Salvation Army.
Claire De Silva, Tesco head of communities, said: “Throughout the year our stores play a huge role in supporting their local communities. The annual toy donation campaign is a wonderful way to make a difference at Christmas and that’s all down to the hard work and generosity of our customers and colleagues. It's great to see stores building on their local connections to support charities making a difference locally to ensure that every child experiences the magic of Christmas.”
Expanded collection and wider support
Over 800 large Tesco stores across the UK will have a dedicated donation point where customers can donate new and unwrapped toys purchased in store. For the first time, the collection has been expanded to large Express stores.
Last Christmas, Tesco customers donated more than 100,000 toys to ensure no child should have to go without a special gift. The retailer already supports children’s access to healthy food during school time through its Free Fruit and Veg for Schools programme, with 20 million portions of fruit and veg already donated from stores. The programme aims to support more than 347,000 children in over 1,000 schools over the next year.
In addition, Tesco is supporting schools and children’s groups through its Fruit & Veg Grants blue token scheme, where customers can vote in store to award funding to their favourite community groups.
Christmas festivities in Newcastle
Meanwhile, people across the North East are getting into the Christmas spirit. Last week, thousands turned out in Newcastle for the official Christmas Lights switch-on at Grey’s Monument, hosted by Steve and Karen from Hits Radio 90s. The event featured live music, games, pantomime fun, and a special appearance from Santa Claus.
Councillor Rob Austin, the Cabinet Member for Culture at Newcastle City Council, said: “There’s nothing quite like Christmas in Newcastle, and our lights switch-on is the perfect way to get the celebrations started. Steve and Karen bring fantastic energy and a real sense of fun, helping make this a brilliant night out for families, friends and people of all ages. It’s about bringing our communities together and celebrating everything that makes Newcastle such a warm and welcoming city. And this is just the start. There’s plenty more to look forward to, from the return of our Christmas Market and the Christmas Village on Old Eldon Square to events and activities across the city.”
