The Emporium Somerset in Mantle Street is aiming to help a local charity deliver a bit of sparkle to Wellington children living in difficult circumstances. The store is acting as a donation point for the Christmas Sparkle charity which aims to give Christmas presents to children from new-born to age 18.
Candice Thompson-Gardiner, a volunteer at Christmas Sparkle, said: “It’s wonderful that The Emporium Somerset is willing to get involved with such a worthwhile project and we are sure the people of Wellington will be more than happy to support the charity by donating new and unwrapped gifts.”
Suggestions for gifts include cuddly toys, baby clothes, puzzles, colouring books, hats, scarves and gloves, board games, books, craft kits, sports equipment and toiletries.
Christmas Sparkle is a project run by the community for the community. It works closely with charities in the area to identify recipients for the gifts. Last year the project was able to donate 500 gifts to the people of Taunton and Wellington, exceeding its target of 200.
Cato Cooper, Co-owner of The Emporium Somerset, which includes nearly 50 shops and thousands of stylish homeware and gift items, said: “We were thrilled to be asked to be a donation point for the Christmas Sparkle project. It is a fantastic cause and we’ll be donating some Christmas gifts of our own too.
“People can pop in between 10am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday and between 9.30am and 4pm on Saturdays with their gifts and drop them at the donation point at the reception from now until 30 November. The presents will be collected regularly by the charity and distributed after the cut-off date. We know the lovely folk in the area are super-generous so we hope lots of people come along to drop off gifts and help make someone else’s Christmas that bit more special.”