ONLINE donations for Thurrock Council's #GiveAGift 2021 campaign open today (Monday, 15 November).

Now in its sixth year, the Give a Gift campaign gives everyone the opportunity to donate a present to a local child in need for whom Christmas can be a difficult time of year.

From today, you can donate a gift online in two ways:

Through an Amazon Wish List where you will be able to donate a pre-selected gift or gift card, donations for the Wish List will end at midnight on Sunday, 5 December.

Through GoFundMe where you will be able to donate money for a gift or gift card to be bought on your behalf, donations for GoFundMe will end at midnight on Sunday, 12 December.

Cllr Barry Johnson, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, said: "The generosity of residents and businesses in Thurrock enables us to help Christmas sparkle for those children in need in our borough.

"Last year, we moved the Give a Gift donations process to online only due to the restrictions in place from the pandemic. Following its success, this approach is being taken again this year making it quick and easy to buy a present or make a donation.

"All the gifts and money donated will be used exclusively for Give a Gift presents which will be delivered directly to children and young people in need in Thurrock in time for Christmas day.

"The magic of Christmas is so important and we hope that Give a Gift will once again bring joy to those children who need it most. I hope people will support Give a Gift again for the benefit of our borough's children."

For more details on how to donate a gift/money or to download a Thank You star for your own tree, go to www.thurrock.gov.uk/giveagift.