Over 100 dedicated local volunteers have worked with the charities Sewa Day and Communities Working Together, to collect and wrap Christmas presents for homeless and vulnerable people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Hetvi Parekh, Becky Dowson, Rani Korpal, Nisha Korpal and Malti Maini were a team of 5 ladies who organised this massive appeal to add sparkle to people’s lives this festive season.
Alongside the volunteers, the charities have been sponsored by 15 businesses for donations, with schools also participating to wrap 1300 boxes, all to go out in time for Christmas. Additionally 200 school children also participated to wrap a box each.
Rushcliffe MP Ruth Edwards was on hand to help pack items alongside local Councillor Jonathan Wheeler and Rushcliffe Mayor, Sue Mallender.
The gifts are to go out to homeless people, young carers, care leavers, children on free school meals, survivors of domestic violence and teenagers in need.
Rushcliffe Mayor, Sue Mallender said: “Once again, magnificent piece of work from Hetvi and all the volunteers at Sewa Day and Communities Working Together with a huge number of Christmas gift boxes collected, wrapped and ready for delivery to local children and adults in need”.
County Councillor for West Bridgford South Jonathan Wheeler said: “Thank you to everyone who donated for he Shoebox Appeal, and a massive well done and thank you to all the volunteers especially Hetvi. I really enjoyed packing the boxes with the volunteers and seeing the generosity of our community”.
Hetvi Parekh, who has been leading the project said: “We’re lost for words this year, the number of organisations coming out to support us has been overwhelming.
“I cannot thank enough all the schools, colleges and business sponsors.
“A special shout out to Edwalton Church Hall for providing the space and East Midlands Freewheelers for the transport. These gifts will make a great difference to many people this Christmas. We’ve also made sure we have enough boxes to include 200 refugees who have arrived in Nottingham”.
Sewa Day and CWT are thankful to the following businesses who have been our main sponsors for this year.
Green Treat Socks Ltd
Royston and Lund
Rehab Beauty West Bridgford
Duke Clothing Company
Jigsaw 24
Collins Cash and Carry
Gather Social
Ratchet Clothing
Stitchd UK Ltd
Bhagwati Shakti Peeth
Over 200 students from the below schools participated to collect donations and wrap shoeboxes.
Abbey Road Primary
Heymann Primary
Rosecliffe Spencer Academy
Rushcliffe Spencer Academy -6th Form
Trinity Catholic School
Cropwell Bishop Primary
Beeston Fields Primary and Nursery School
Nottingham Girls High School
West Bridgford Junior School
George Spencer Academy
Dawn house special school
Sewa Day also runs a foodbank and serves hot meals to homeless people in the City Centre. All their activities are completely dependent upon the support received from members of public. The charity is appealing to the local community for donations. If you need support for yourself or can support others, please get in touch below.
eastmidlands@sewaday.org
rushcliffefoodbank@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/sewadaynotts