Pictured: City Council colleagues sorted through hundreds of donated toys this week
Milton Keynes City Council is distributing hundreds of free gifts to families in need of extra support this Christmas. More than 600 brand new items were donated by Argos including toys, puzzles, games, crafts and more.
The donations were delivered to the City Council last week, and ‘City Council elves’ have since been sorting them into age-appropriate packs and delivering them to the homes of families identified as in need of extra help.
Some of the donated toys have been shared with the City Council’s Family Centres who also distribute them within their local communities.
On top of Argos’s generous delivery, the City Council’s 10 Family Centres have also welcomed thousands of pounds worth of festive food, gifts and other support donated by local businesses, organisations, and communities. The team has used them to create 800 hampers of essential food and Christmas treats, with selection boxes and toys for children and gifts for adults.
“This local generosity demonstrates the strength of Milton Keynes when our partners, charities and council teams work together. By pooling resources and expertise, we’re able to reach more families and provide the support they need. I’m really grateful to everyone involved - from our frontline staff to volunteers, community groups and our local businesses."
The help continues through the festive break. Milton Keynes City Council is funding a programme of FREE activity sessions and meals to give extra support to local families during the Christmas school holidays. The activity sessions are exclusively available to children and young people in receipt of benefit related free school meals and their families.
Find details of local support and advice at www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/cost-living-support