Pictured: City Council colleagues sorted through hundreds of donated toys this week
Milton Keynes City Council is distributing thousands of free gifts to families in need of extra support this Christmas. More than 3,000 items were donated by Argos and Sainsbury’s, including toys, puzzles, games, crafts, soft toys and other items for all ages from newborns to teenagers.
The donated products were delivered to the City Council this week, with everything then sorted into age-appropriate packs.
In the run up to Christmas, social workers have been busy creating packages for families identified as being in need. These are delivered to families at home.
Surplus items have been shared with the City Council’s Family Centres who also distribute them within their local communities.
“By combining this generosity from local business and the knowledge of our social care teams, we can help many children and their parents have a brighter Christmas. I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in making this happen, from our facilities staff and delivery drivers to Early Help, family centres and our dedicated social workers.”
The help continues through the festive break. Milton Keynes City Council has already started delivering 1,000 food hampers and is funding a programme of free activity sessions and meals during the Christmas school holidays to give extra support to families with children usually in receipt of benefit related Free School Meals.
The City Council has also arranged support for other local residents who are struggling to make ends meet, such as those aged over 65, and households using old fashioned energy sources. Find details of the support available at www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/cost-living-support