Company Shop Middleton members donate hundreds of Christmas gifts to local children

Company Shop store in Middleton has been part of a national toy donation campaign that will see hundreds of children from less-fortunate families receive an extra gift this Christmas

Hundreds of local children from families on the cusp of food poverty will receive an extra present this Christmas, thanks to the generosity of Company Shop members in Middleton.

Company Shop, a redistribution supermarket, launched the campaign earlier in December to encourage shoppers to donate new toys, gifts and novelty items for children up to 16-years-old by leaving them at a donation station in-store.

Hundreds of gifts were donated by members in Company Shop Middleton, which have been distributed through the business’s award-winning social enterprise, Community Shop, to people living in some of England’s most deprived communities.

Aky Yakub, Company Shop Middleton Store Manager, said: “Christmas is usually cause for joy and celebration, but for those on the cusp of food poverty it can lead to a great deal of financial hardship as they struggle to balance buying gifts and ensuring they have enough food in the cupboard.

“That’s why we want to say an enormous thank you to our generous members for donating so many wonderful toys and presents, which are sure to help bring a big smile to the face of many children and families across the region come the big day.”

Company Shop, based locally on Stakehill Industrial Estate, stocks products from major retailers and brands that are in date and perfectly good to eat, use or wear, but are deemed ‘surplus’ and may have otherwise gone to waste due to reasons such as wonky labelling, seasonal packaging, or overstock.

The store is only open to members; employees and pension recipients of the NHS, care services, emergency services, FMCG supply chain, British Armed forces, prison services, and registered charities can apply online here.