Christmas presents worth £10,000 donated to Preston business centre’s appeal

Donations at the Cotton Court appeal. Pic: Shirah Bamber

A Christmas appeal to help disadvantaged children across Preston and Lancashire has been a huge success.

More than 900 gifts and gift cards have been donated to this year’s Cotton Court Christmas Gift Appeal in aid of Barnados.

For the 11th consecutive year, individuals and businesses from Preston and Lancashire have ensured hundreds of children across the county will have a better Christmas.

CEO of Cotton Court, Rob Binns said: “We have been blown away by everyone’s generosity and how the Lancashire community has come together to support this year’s appeal.

“There are so many different things happening in the world that we can’t change, so it’s important to try and make a difference when you can, no matter how small.”

This year, donations have an estimated value of around £10,000 with the team receiving gifts and vouchers at their multiple donation sites.

The charity aims to make sure every child and young person has something to open on Christmas morning, particularly those who are struggling in Preston and Lancashire due to the Cost of Living crisis.

Assistant Director at Barnardo’s, Debbie Nolan-Plunkett said: “One parent last year was overwhelmed with the gifts she received as she had not been able to save enough money to buy gifts for Christmas due to being very poorly.

“She couldn’t believe that total strangers had donated presents to give her children a lovely Christmas Day.

“This gift appeal, organised by Cotton Court, really does give back the spirit and excitement of Christmas and allows all of the young people living in our accommodation in Lancashire to receive a gift.”