We spread festive cheer with gifts for children in East Herts and London
14 December 2022
Volunteers from Network Homes got their festive cheer on to help deliver over 410 gift bags filled with presents for families across London and East Herts on Wednesday 7 December. Thirty-nine colleagues and two members of our Local Panel for Hertford and Outside London gave Santa a run for his money knocking on doors at 24 locations to deliver presents to children living there.
In the run up to the big day, we gift bagged over 650 toys, games and stocking fillers in record time! We ensured presents were well suited to all genders and a wide range of age groups from 0 up to 17 years old.
The festive gifts were well received by residents who were grateful for the surprise! It was a great day full of lots of joy and many happy parents, grandparents and guardians who were glad to see us out and about. Residents were excited for their children to return home from school to a festive surprise! We are working with local community groups to donate all remaining gifts to children who have survived domestic abuse and Kaotic Angels, a Hertford-based charitable organisations who are collecting toys to give to children in local hospices and hospitals.
It was fantastic to see so many colleagues come together and volunteer their time to deliver a festive surprise in East Herts and London, putting a smile on the faces of people! We know this winter may have been tougher than most for people, and finances may be tighter, so we wanted to help residents in any way possible. This was a timely initiative to give something back during what might be a difficult time for many families. We’re so glad that residents were happy to receive these gifts and it was a great experience to spread festive joy to families this holiday season.
Shauna Hutchinson, Resident Engagement Manager
