How to support the Hartlepool Mail-backed Christmas gift appeal in association with MKM Building Supplies

Run in association with the town’s MKM Building Supplies – which kindly acts as a collection point – the campaign provides festive cheer for youngsters who may otherwise do without any gifts come December 25.

Around 700 presents were dropped off at the firm’s Burn Road premises by caring readers and businesses last year.

While taking nothing for granted, organisers are hoping for a similar if not bigger response in 2025.

Co-director Mick Sumpter, who runs the branch along with Lee Dees, said: “We know that the appeal does good and that the people we deal with will ensure that the presents will end up in the hands of the children who deserve them on Christmas Day.

Presents will be distributed to schools, charities and other worthy causes with Mr Sumpter praising assistant branch manager Jane Plant for building up contacts across town.

While MKM Building Supplies – which has run its campaign with the Mail for more than a decade – has received donations of bikes in the past, gifts do not have to be large.

Mr Sumpter added: “Selection boxes, sweets, clothes, games and even toiletries such as deodorants for the older children are all appreciated.

"All we ask is that are new and unwrapped so we can work out who we can give them to.”

Mail editor Gavin Ledwith thanked MKM Building Supplies for organising the appeal, adding: “While we take nothing for granted, we hope launching the appeal now will give people the opportunity to put a few pounds aside to buy donations.

“Every week the Mail carries stories about how the town helps people who are less fortunate than most and we hope our readers will do what they can to cheer up needy youngsters up this Christmas.”

Gifts can be dropped off between 7.30am-5pm from Mondays-Fridays or from 7.30am-noon on Saturdays.

Please remember that presents should be new and unwrapped and aimed at youngsters aged between two and 16.

The final day for donations is Wednesday, December 17.

This will give worthy causes time to collect and distribute gifts to youngsters before Christmas Day.

Any organisations wishing to be considered for presents can contact MKM Building Supplies on (01429) 231500.