Readers thanked after hundreds of presents are donated to the Mail-backed gift appeal in association with MKM Building Supplies
Generous Mail readers have been thanked for helping donate hundreds of presents to needy youngsters in our annual festive appeal.
More than 800 gifts – around 100 higher than last year’s total – were distributed to children across Hartlepool on Christmas Day by worthy causes.
The collection included games, toys, toiletries and selection boxes.
This year’s response has been described as “heart warming” by the appeal’s principal organiser.
Jane Plant, assistant branch manager at MKM Building Supplies, in Burn Road, Hartlepool, said: “I do not have enough praise for the way the people of Hartlepool have responded.”
The MKM branch acts as the main collection point for the annual Mail-backed appeal.
Jane then liaises with trusted organisations such as schools, refuges, community centres and charities to match presents with individual youngsters.
She said: “Our customers have been amazing. One woman came in, did not realise what we were doing and went straight off to the supermarket to buy some presents.
“It is little touches like that which make you realise how much this appeal matters. The response has been heart-warming.”
Among the businesses she thanked was Roy Blyth Butcher, which has three shops across town, for filling two cars full of donations for the appeal.
Jane also thanked the Hartlepool Mail for its support and our readers for their generosity.
She said: “If the Mail did not publicise what we do in the paper and online then we would not get the response we do.”
Mail editor Gavin Ledwith said: “The generosity of Hartlepool people never ceases to amaze me and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed towards the appeal.
"Thanks too to MKM Building Supplies for finding the time to organise the appeal at such a busy time of year.
"I hope everyone’s efforts will have brought some cheer to children on Christmas Day.”
The final word, however, rests with Jane on behalf of MKM Building Supplies.
Asked how important the appeal is, she said: “It is vitally important. There are 800 gifts going out in Hartlepool to youngsters who may not otherwise have had anything.
"It shows the community spirit here in Hartlepool with so many people putting their hands in their pocket.”