TWO borough companies have offered their support to Thurrock Council's 'Give a Gift' Christmas campaign which provides everyone the opportunity to donate a present to a local child in need for whom Christmas can be a difficult time of year.

This week the Corringham-based InterGen power company donated £800 of Love2Shop Vouchers for presents for some of the borough's older children and Specsavers Lakeside have made a generous donation of toys too.

A spokesperson at InterGen, Cortyon Power Station, said: "We are proud to have community as one of our core values and are keen to support local projects all year round. Thurrock's Give a Gift campaign is close to our hearts to bring a bit of extra Christmas cheer to those children most in need. Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from all the staff at Coryton Power Station."

Jay Visrolia, Retail Director, Specsavers Lakeside, Grays and Sainsburys Chafford Hundred, said: "The coronavirus pandemic has been a difficult time for all, with children being affected in many ways. So, more than ever, when this time of year usually sprinkles a little magic back into our lives and make things special, we felt it was important to make sure that the joy of receiving a Christmas Gift isn't also disrupted.

"The Give a Gift initiative is an incredible campaign, that helps to ensure no child is forgotten over the festive season, whether there's a pandemic or not. We've donated toys to Thurrock Council's Give A Gift campaign previously and this year we're delighted to be able to continue that tradition, with donations from the store, our team and even our family and friends have got involved and contributed."

Cabinet member for children's services and education Cllr Barry Johnson,, said: "Give a Gift has always seen overwhelming support from the residents and businesses of Thurrock. I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart as we come together to bring a little magic to those children in the borough who need it most on Christmas Day.

"Please, if you can donate to this heart-warming cause. Give a Gift donations remain open through to midnight on Sunday, 12 December."

You are able to donate a gift online through an Amazon Wish List, where you can go to donate a pre-selected gift or gift card, or GoFundMe, where you can go to donate money for a gift or gift card to be bought on your behalf.

For more details on how to donate a gift/money or to download a Thank You star for your own tree, you can click on this link.