CHRISTMAS has come early for families in need.
Green Uniform and Baby Bank (GUBB) has decided to lend a hand this festive season by helping put presents under the trees of homes across Mid Cheshire.
The team came up with the idea after noticing something at their first-ever Christmas toy and gift event last year.
Founder, Emma Ball, said: “We had Santa in attendance, he have a gift to each of the children and listed to their wishes.
“Santa met a young boy who asked him ‘will you be able to find our house this year as mummy said you got lost last year and couldn't find us’.
“This encounter led to us borrowing the gift tag tree idea from a national store.
“We tweaked this a little and Christmas Wishes was born.”
GUBB, based at Winsford Community Centre, put up the Christmas Wish Tree earlier this week and has already proved a hit.
Anyone who needs to is able to fill out a tag to place on the tree to ask for a gift for children, ensuring every youngster has something to open on Christmas morning.
Once all the wishes have been collected, GUBB will appeal to the public by asking them to purchase an extra gift.
Any wishes leftover will be fulfilled by the baby bank using the money raised at this year’s toy and gift event, to be held at Winsford Academy on Saturday, November 25.
Emma said: “We are this year being accessed by more and more families needing a little help with the cost of baby items and school uniform.
“Living in an already deprived area, families across Mid Cheshire have been hit especially hard by the currently economic climate.
“So, we are hoping to help many families with the financial burden and stresses of Christmas.”
Emma added: “We are asking the public and local businesses to consider fulfilling a wish for a child this year.
“We are also looking for donations of new and pre-loved toys and gifts, selection boxes, advent calendars, bottles for the tombola and raffle prizes from local people and businesses if anybody can help us.
“The more we take at the Christmas event the more wishes we can fulfil!
“Santa will be there again this year to listen to the children and hand out gifts.
“We are a not-for-profit community initiative and all money after monthly running costs are reinvested back into the community.”
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