ORGANISERS of a Christmas Appeal in Thurrock have been stunned by the overwhelming support they have received from businesses, residents and local community organisations across the borough.

The appeal was organised by and run from The Kideco store at Lakeside. The store is a part of the Kids Bank charity and its CEO Clare Foster explained what has happened.

She told Thurrock Nub News: "This is our second year running our Christmas star project which involves a disadvantaged child's age and gender being put on a star on Christmas trees in our Kideco Lakeside store and Marks Gate Community hub.

"Last year we provided 120 children with gifts on Christmas morning. This year, we knew numbers would be higher due to the current financial crisis.

However, we were still stunned to receive such a response from our referred families, local schools, domestic violence shelters and other charities and ended up with over 500 children requiring gifts.

"Because of the huge task at hand, we partnered with our sister organisation The Baby Bank HQ to ensure help was available for families in Havering, Barking and Dagenham as well as Thurrock.

"Over 500 stars were placed on Christmas trees,

"People responded so quickly! Organisations such as Nxtgen and CM Production management took large amounts of stars and got their staff involved.

"We were contacted by Griffin Residential group who offered all of their branches as drop off points and got clients and staff to take part.

"Tumble Tots in Grays and Barney Bears nursery arranged collections of gifts.

"Anglian Decor Ltd made a £600 donation, Hammers for Work and Wupport provided us with 120 selection boxes.

"Most recently, we partnered with LEYFS who came down to our Marksgate hub, with staff from Clifford Chance law firm to help sort donations of Christmas gifts and warm clothing bundles for families in need within their nurseries. With them they also brought more than £3,000 worth of brand new clothing, nappies, food and hygiene items to restock our supply.

"We hit our target within three weeks and received more than 1000 gifts. These have now been provided to the children supported by this appeal.

"Our combined teams have worked extremely hard ensuring the success of this appeal. In a time where everybody is feeling the pinch, everyone still came together to help others. It has been beautiful to witness.

"Our support doesn't start and end with the Christmas appeal. It is just one of the many ways we support children families. To see how you can support us in the New year, please visit https://www.thekidsbankhq.org/donations-and-funding."