RESIDENTS of Thurrock can help to make sure that some of the borough's most vulnerable children wake up to a gift on Christmas Day through the joint Give a Gift campaign with Thurrock Council and Impulse Leisure. 

Impulse Leisure is accepting donations of toys and gifts at any of their leisure centre sites, which will go to vulnerable children in Thurrock and those at Little Havens Children's Hospice. 

As an incentive, residents can save £50 on a new gym membership at the sites, when they donate two or more toys. 

Donations are being accepted at the following Impulse Leisure sites: 

• Blackshots, Grays, RM16 2JU 
• Corringham, Springhouse Road, SS17 7NB 
• Belhus Park Golf & Country Club, South Ockendon, RM15 4PX 

You can also donate money towards gift cards for Thurrock's vulnerable children who are over the age of ten by using Thurrock Council's online collection pot. 

Donations are welcome until Friday, 12 December. 

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, cabinet member for children's services, education and community safety, said: "No child should have to wake up without a gift on Christmas day, so I'm absolutely delighted that Give a Gift has returned for another year. 

"It is a truly wonderful campaign, and when I visited the Blackshots Impulse Leisure centre last year, it was heartwarming to see how our communities had come together to donate such a vast array of gifts. 

"If you can donate, I would really encourage you to get involved and help make a difference, thanks to Impulse Leisure as an added incentive you can even save money on the joining fee for a new membership when you donate two toys to one of its sites. Together, we can ensure every child feels special during this festive season." 

Karl Hayes, Managing Director at Impulse Leisure said: "By taking part in this special initiative, we can help to ensure every vulnerable child in our borough can experience the magic and joy of Christmas. 

"At Impulse Leisure we believe in the power of community and the spirit of giving. This campaign reflects our commitment to making a positive impact and spreading joy to those who need it most. We encourage everyone to join us in this heartfelt cause and help make a difference this Christmas."