Generous Sunderland businesses are being asked to support a seasonal campaign to help youngsters who may miss out on a traditional Christmas treat.
And this year those who respond to the call for donations of advent calendars will be supporting two worthy causes.
Sunderland BID is co-ordinating the appeal for the chocolate-filled calendars, which will be given out to parents who use the city food banks and to the charity, Sunderland Veterans in Crisis.
And the hope is to collect a minimum of 600 calendars so no young person goes without.
“Families who use the food banks don’t have any spare money for treats such as an advent calendars,” said Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID.
“And that means lots of children don’t get the opportunity to enjoy a simple pleasure that many people take for granted.
“We’re hoping that our businesses – who we know are always extremely generous – will support the campaign and allow us to make sure as many youngsters as possible get a calendar.”
The plan is to also donate around 100 calendars to Sunderland Veterans in Crisis, which supports ex-servicemen and women who may be dealing with problems ranging from financial hardship to mental health issues.
“We know that sometimes the children of veterans get forgotten and we are hoping that we can get enough calendars to ensure they also get a Christmas treat,” said Sharon.
Anyone who would like to donate an advent calendar should drop them off at the BID office at Sunderland Software Centre, Tavistock Place, Sunderland.