RESIDENTS across Tameside are being encouraged to help make Christmas special for young people leaving care by donating a gift this festive season.
Tameside Council’s Leaving Care Service has relaunched its annual Christmas Gift Appeal, inviting residents to buy presents for local care leavers – young adults aged 18 to 25 who may otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning.
The council currently supports 538 care leavers, and the appeal aims to ensure each one receives a thoughtful gift this year.
An Amazon wishlist, created with input from the young people themselves, includes a range of items such as blankets, toiletries, stationery, and craft sets — with prices to suit all budgets. Gifts purchased via the wishlist are sent directly to the Leaving Care Service, where they will be wrapped and delivered in time for Christmas.
Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2E51GOM05JITN?ref_=wl_share
Deadline: December 5.
Alternatively, residents can buy and drop off gifts in person at Ashton Old Library, Old Street, OL6 7SG, also until December 5.
One Tameside care leaver said:
“Christmas can be a cold and lonely time for a lot of us. Even the smallest gift reminds us that someone cares. Kindness means a lot.”
Cllr Teresa Smith, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, said:
“Christmas should be a joyful time for everyone, but for many care leavers, it can be a lonely day. By buying just one extra gift, residents can help make sure every young person feels valued and remembered this Christmas.”
She added:
“It’s such a simple process – just a few clicks – but it makes a huge difference. I’d like to thank everyone who takes part in this heartwarming scheme.”