Buy a gift for a child this Christmas

A Rochdale based homelessness charity is calling the local community to help spread festive cheer this holiday season.

For the third year running, Petrus Community, in partnership with Rochdale Social Services, has adorned the Christmas tree in its community store with the names, and ages, of children who are unlikely to receive a Christmas gift this year.

The charity is now asking members of the public to take on the role of Santa Claus and help make sure that these children don’t miss out on opening a gift come Christmas morning.

Pam Barrett, Petrus Community Store Manager, said: “While Christmas is a time of gift giving and cheer for many of us, it also a very difficult time for those less fortunate.

“Last year, thanks to generous support of the Rochdale community and afar, we were able to provide 190 children with a gift on Christmas morning.

“We look forward to your support again this year.”

Members of the public are invited to take a tag from the tree and buy a child a gift, between £5 and £10, and deliver to the store.

Anyone making donations is asked to bring the presents unwrapped. However, people can provide wrapping paper if they wish.

Alternatively, Petrus are also accepting cash donation and will use the money to purchase presents on the public’s behalf.

Deadline for the appeal is 18 December.

For more information, contact the Petrus Store:

Petrus Community Store, Hamer Lane, Rochdale, OL12 7JJ

Tel:  01706 341189

Email: petrus.people@petrus.org.uk

Web: www.petrus.org.uk