Struggling families in the Coalville area received presents, festive hampers and food vouchers over Christmas. 

Leicestershire County Council Children and Families Wellbeing Service prepared Christmas activities and the distribution of toys and treats to bring families some festive cheer.

In North West Leicestershire, the Greenhill Children and Family Wellbeing Centre hosted a Christmas fair for families the service works with, where they could collect items for gifting - which were kindly donated by the team, partners and local businesses.  

It took place on December 20 - and around 25 families attended the event.

The hampers contained a selection of Christmas dinner ingredients, store cupboard staples, fresh fruit and veg and party food, plus Christmas crackers, games and festive fun ideas. Gifts of chocolates and toys from the Leicestershire Tesco Express appeal were also included, plus fleece blankets to help families stay warm this winter.  

Councillor Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families said:  "We are so pleased that these toys and hampers are going a small way towards making Christmas bright for some of the most vulnerable families in Leicestershire.

"We recognise that with the current cost of living increases, things are tougher than ever for many. 

"I'd like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and extend a thank you to the children, families and companies who have donated toys and food for this valuable project." 

One parent said: "The Christmas Toy appeal has been a godsend.

"I have a disabled child – buying specialist toys for her is so expensive and leaves me short of money over Christmas to buy nice food and provide gifts for my other children. Having food and toy packages from the appeal has changed my view on Christmas and reduced my mum guilt." 

Another parent added: 'People have been so kind and generous at a stressful time when we are all struggling.

"This appeal has definitely taken away some of my worries – I can't thank you all enough for helping families in need. I wish you all a happy Christmas!" 

Staff from the Children & Family Wellbeing Service are also running free Leicestershire Holidays Together Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) sessions for children in receipt of benefits-related free school meals.

The sessions – which include a nutritious meal - are designed to keep children entertained and healthy over the two-week festive break.  

For more details, click HERE.

As part of their HAF offering, Charnwood Children & Family Wellbeing Service are holding a Christmas party for their families between Christmas and New Year.