Generous colleagues and partners at Wellingborough-based housing association, Greatwell Homes, have donated £914 worth of presents for children and older people living in their communities this Christmas.

A total of 100 presents were bought by the colleagues themselves, as well as some of the company’s partners including Astraseal and Jewson.

Presents range from arts and crafts sets, footballs and fidget toys for the children, to cosmetic gift sets, scarves and gloves for the adults.

Half of the presents were donated to The Daylight Centre, who support disadvantaged and vulnerable adults, particularly rough sleepers and those in poverty, as well as running a foodbank.

Greatwell Homes staff wrapping some of the presents

placeholder image — Greatwell Homes staff wrapping some of the presents

The remainder of the presents were donated to The Hemmingwell Community and Skills Centre who will give out the presents alongside their emergency food parcel service they run from the centre.

Jo Savage, chief executive at Greatwell Homes, said: “This is our third year running this Christmas present project, which was initially an idea from one of our staff members.

"I’m so proud of our staff who spend their money to be able to spread joy to those in our communities.

“For many, Christmas is often a special and joyful time of year, however we know that’s sadly not the case for everyone. It makes me pleased to know that in previous years these presents have made a massive difference to families with low incomes, many of whom haven’t been able to afford presents themselves, and I am really hoping that this year they have the same impact.

“Thank you to every staff member who has donated to this cause, as well as our partners Astraseal and Jewson. I know this will make such a positive contribution to our neighbourhoods.”

To continue their community contributions this Christmas, the housing association has donated a further £500 to The Daylight Centre, as well as another £500 to Harry’s Pals, a charity supporting parents with a child diagnosed with a severe illness or disability.

Greatwell Homes own the Hemmingwell Community and Skills Centre and are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the building, including the installation of a new kitchen, as well as running a day dedicated to tidying up the exterior of the centre by Greatwell Homes staff across the organisation last year.

Greatwell Homes is one of the largest housing associations in Northamptonshire, owning and managing more than 5,200 homes in Wellingborough, Kettering, Raunds and Northampton.