Submitted by John on 29 Oct 2020 - 4:48pm
Active Tees Valley recognises the devastating impact that the covid19 pandemic has had within our local community with many families seeking additional support in many forms such as assistance with financial management due to loss income, access to benefits and signposting to services, as well as increased emotional and practical support.
Since March 2020, Active Tees Valley has been working in partnership with Middlesbrough Council as well as other various organisations such as FareShare, Morrisons, and Youth Focus North East to provide food parcels and essential household items to families in need within East Middlesbrough.
Food parcel creation and distribution have been managed across our sites at the East Middlesbrough Events Centre in Pallister Park, and the Brambles Farm Community Centre in Brambles Farm and Thorntree. Due to ongoing demand Active Tees Valley has developed two eco-shops ‘helping hands’ which provides those in need in the local community a facility to obtain up to 15 food/household items at no cost to the individual.
With Christmas fast approaching Active Tees Valley are aiming to ease pressure for local families in poverty. We want to work with our established partners to develop a Christmas Toy appeal and ensure that every child (0 – 17 years) has a special gift to open on Christmas Day.
Active Tees Valley will seek donations by the following routes:
Go Fund Me
A donation page will be set up supported by Active Tees Valley. We will encourage cash donations to be made through this site and we will be publishing a personal story from a local community member who will help drive the appeal and to ensure the campaign remains very much grassroots and relatable to the local community.
Local Businesses
Active Tees Valley will approach local businesses in order to seek their support of those in need in the local community. Active Tees Valley currently work with established partners with distribution of food and this will be a natural transition to support families over the festive period.
Donation/Toy Drop-offs
Active Tees Valley sites at Pallister Park Community Centre, East Middlesbrough Events Centre, and Charwood will have designated times for toy donations to be dropped off.
Recyclable Toys
Active Tees Valley will also accept used toys in a good condition which can be recycled. Active Tees Valley will ensure all recycled toys are handled in line with covid19 infection control procedures and will be quarantined 72 hours before cleaning.
Active Tees Valley will launch the appeal on 2nd November 2020 and the programme will run through to 13th December 2020.
From 14th December 2020 Active Tees Valley will invite families to the East Middlesbrough Events Centre to view donations and to select toys for their children.
From 18th December 2020 Active Tees Valley Community Volunteers will be involved in the wrapping of Christmas presents and families will be given options on how these are delivered.
From 22nd – 24th December 2020 Active Tees Valley have secured ‘Santa’ and a Christmas themed trailer and will visit the local community to distribute gifts / food hampers. This will be planned in line with covid19 guidance and volunteers will ensure safe distancing measures apply at all times.
Social media is a powerful promotional tool and will be utilised to promote the appeal with updates, personal stories and video feeds. Active Tees Valley will also seek the support of Middlesbrough Council, local ward councillors and established community leaders. Active Tees Valley and partners will also seek promotion of the appeal via BBC Radio Tees.
The Christmas Appeal will give families much needed help and support throughout a difficult and turbulent year. The appeal is also in line with Active Tees Valley’s vision and purpose of ‘bringing communities together’ and building stronger communities and effective partnerships.
Contact Active Tees Valley if you want to help:
07808 733806
info@active-teesvalley.co.uk
