CARE leavers in Thurrock were able to celebrate Christmas Day at the new Stanford-le-Hope Aftercare Hub and Children's Centre, thanks to the generosity of local businesses, charities, and volunteers.

The event, which aimed to make sure no young person spent Christmas alone, brought together 20 care leavers to enjoy the festive celebration with volunteers from Thurrock Council.

The guests enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner, fun activities including pool, bingo, and gaming, and received gifts of their choice purchased through fundraising efforts – including some from the latest Give a Gift fundraiser.

Generous contributions made the day possible, including:

• BVS Group – £1,000 donation
• Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco – food and drink vouchers
• Waitrose Billericay – pre-prepared food packages
• Thurrock Council contractors – Amazon vouchers, stationery, and treats
• Access Control – hygiene and toiletry items
• TRUP (The Re-Use Partnership) – donated a sofa for the event
• John Lewis – food bags
• Sunshine Centre – loaned a minibus for transport

Volunteers from across Thurrock Council's Children's Service gave their time to decorate, set up, and support on the day, which helped to make the festivities even more special.

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Community Safety, said:

"I want to say a big thank you to everyone who contributed their time, money, donations, and energy to help make sure our care leavers could have a Christmas Day to remember. It's another shining example of just how special our borough is, and a reminder of the powerful impact we can have when our communities come together."

One of the care leavers that came to the celebration said: "I am so grateful to all that people took their time to make the day what it was, it was nice to have home cooked food and I definitely was not expecting all the lovely things they did for us."

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The Aftercare Hub, which is not yet officially opened, was specially prepared by contractors for the occasion.