Christmas Stars Appeal
520 Christmas Presents, 500 advent calendars and 75 selection boxes!
On Thursday 14th December we had the pleasure of delivering presents donated by colleagues at Boots to Nottingham City Council. We met members of the social, care, play and youth teams who will be directly distributing the presents to those in our local communities who are less fortunate.
It was the most humbling event; hearing and seeing how these gifts make such a difference to lives of many children, young adults and families – many of whom may have never received a gift before, and wouldn’t have this Christmas without the generous contributions.
We also learnt how the social care workers cook and host Christmas lunch sessions for the children; bringing them, their siblings, families or care teams together at Christmas, whilst delivering gifts that local businesses, including Boots, have donated.
It was the most heart-breaking, but at the same time heart-warming conversation – realising how much of a difference colleagues at Boots have made to the Christmases of many children across Nottingham this year.
On Friday 15th December we were invited to Loxley House – Nottingham City Council headquarters along with other local businesses who have supported this year’s appeal. We met with some of the council leaders and more of the local social care teams, who expressed their sincere gratitude for all of the very kind donations received.
We were also treated to a rather moving Choir performance from a local primary school who sang a variety of songs, from Christmas Carols to Michael Jackson’s Heal the World – yes, tissues were required at that point!
A very big thank you to our colleagues at Baxter Storey and Adkins Bakery who helped to provide refreshments for all who attended and a lovely Christmas iced cookie for all the children who sang.
A huge thank you to everybody who supported with this – you remind us of how thankful we are, and how lucky we are to work with the most amazing colleagues!
Additional special thanks goes to…
Our colleagues at FM solutions (Interserve) who have provided events and logistics support
Baxter Storey/Adkins Bakery for donating some lovely Christmas treats for the children
Global Brands (Supply & Sourcing) for donating the additional 75 selection boxes
The Boots IT leadership team for donating funds towards the purchase of 500 advent calendars
Our team of present collectors; Lynda Faust, Laura Southam, Jo Hill, Reena Mehta and Melanie Bostock
Here’s to next years’ appeal and to making it even bigger and better!
Have a very happy Christmas.
