Ankerside launches Operation Christmas charity appeal

AN APPEAL to help to sick children and vulnerable families at Christmas is being launched by Tamworth’s Ankerside Shopping centre.

Operation Christmas, now in its twelfth year, will help make the festive time extra special for youngsters being cared for by Acorn Children’s Hospice plus vulnerable families supported by Pathways Project – especially those fleeing domestic violence.

Customers are being encouraged to buy an extra gift, such as toys, books, arts and craft items, toiletries and small musical instruments while out shopping this festive season, with the appeal running until December 16.

The gifts – which don’t need to be wrapped - can be left in the huge collection box that will be in place outside H Samuel from November 16. The donations will distributed by volunteers to youngsters being helped by the hospice or families in desperate need.

It’s part of a host of activities in the coming weeks at Ankerside, with the Christmas lights switched on and Santa’s Grotto opening on November 22; Tamworth Rotary Club’s Tree of Life from November 28; sherry and mince pies on December 15; and breakfast with Santa at Druckers Café on December 20.

Free all-day free parking is available at the centre on December 5 and 19 and from Boxing Day to Monday December 28.

Ankerside Shopping Centre administrator Lucy Harvey, who has been involved in Operation Christmas for a number of years, said: “Ever since we started organising the appeal in 2003 I have been amazed by the generosity of our customers.

“People have always managed to make sure we have a huge pile of gifts to pass on at Christmas and I am sure this year isn’t going to be any different.

“Since 2003, when we launched the scheme, these presents have made a huge difference to thousands of local families and these gifts can put a smile back on those faces.

“It gives those of us who are looking forward to a Christmas full of happiness a chance to think about others, remember how lucky we are and give a little something back.”

The Acorn Children’s Hospice offers a network of care for children with life limiting conditions and their families through units in Selly Oak, Walsall and Worcester.

Offering specialist, tailored nursing for short breaks, emergency and end of life care, the charity has supported 760 children in the last year and is delighted to be recipients the Ankerside appeal.

Community Fundraising Manager Abi Floyd said: “We are so grateful to Ankerside Shopping Centre for supporting us once again and know the families we care for will appreciate every single gift that is donated.

“In particular children’s musical instruments always go down well alongside musical books or any other sensory toys as many of our children cannot communicate verbally and love music.

“Also craft items are always popular such as paint, stickers, glue and glitter as we run craft sessions for the youngsters to make gifts for their families, while current CDs and toiletries are always welcomed by our older children.”

The hospices are unable to accept soft toys due to infection control guidelines but Abi says that every item donated will be gratefully received and help make Christmas special for the families in their care.

The Pathways Project supports adults and children affected by domestic abuse operating a helpline as well as running two refuges and offering counselling, advice, help groups and coaching across the county.

Co-ordinator Jackie Hughes welcomed the support from Ankerside Shopping Centre again this year. She said: “Often the gifts we pass on to the families we are helping can be the only chance they have for some festive cheer.

“Many have fled an abusive relationship with next to nothing and are looking for a new start so every penny they have is needed for food and clothes for them and their children.”

Jackie said that often the women who come to them have lost their self-confidence and even getting some simple toiletries at Christmas can help raise their esteem.

She said: “It also means so much if a mother can wrap her own gifts for her children so we would ask if donations could be left unwrapped. In desperate circumstances it is the little things that make the big differences.”

The Ankerside Operation Christmas appeal runs until December 16 when all the gifts will be collected and distributed between Acorns Children’s Hospice and the Pathways Project in time for Christmas.

Since it began, Ankerside Shopping Centre’s Operation Christmas appeal has raised thousands of pounds worth of gifts for charities such as St Giles Hospice, Marie Curie Cancer Care, The Pathways Project, Meningitis Trust, Acorns Children’s Hospice, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Barnardos.