LOCAL business representatives joined staff and volunteers at Bromsgrove’s Basement Project to spread some festive cheer in the run up to Christmas and alleviate some of the financial burdens young families are facing.
The charity kicked off the festive season with a Santa event on December 18 for the children of its clients.
Staff dressed up as elves for this heart-warming celebration and The Basement’s ‘drop-in’ lounge was decorated with fairy lights and a festive backdrop, creating a magical experience for everyone who attended.
Father Christmas posed for photographs with young guests and there were various fun activities to take part in.
The event followed The Basement Project’s successful toy appeal which yielded an overwhelming response from town companies – Pure Gym, MKM Building Supplies, Meadow Park Football Club and Butcher’s Block had all held toy collections and, along with members of the public, donated well over 100 new toys. Staff and customers from the Basepoint Business Centre in Bromsgrove donated a large quantity of festive ‘goodies’.
At the Christmas event, every child received a gift from Santa and parents were given additional presents to take home and wrap up, ensuring struggling families could give their children the best possible Christmas.
The Basement Project also organised 190 food parcels for local families. Electrical contractors, Barrie Beard Ltd, helped transport food items from The Basement Project’s Hanover Street offices to the Co-Op in Charford, where volunteers were given access to a large office space to put the parcels together.
A total of 125 parcels were distributed via ten local schools last Tuesday and Wednesday. The collaboration with local schools played a crucial role in identifying families who would benefit most, allowing the charity to make a meaningful impact on the community.
An additional 65 food parcels were provided to the young people currently receiving support from the charity and to refugees.
The Basement Project said the toy appeal, food parcel delivery and Santa event would not have been possible without the Bromsgrove business community.
Community fundraiser Kelly Turner said: “It is wonderful to see the positive results that can be achieved when people come together to support families who are living in crisis.
“The lasting effect of these initiatives extends far beyond the festive season.”
The Basement Project offices will be open between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday and Thursday, December 27 and 28, for its drop-in service. Normal opening hours resume on January 3.
Visit basementproject.org for more on the charity and the services it offers.
