A Darlington councillor has spoken of how an appeal for Christmas gifts for children who may not receive one has been “incredibly successful” this year.
Organisers of Silent Santa were initially reserved about continuing to ask for donations for local children in need due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Although the identity of Silent Santa himself is a closely guarded secret, helper Gerlad Lee said they decided to go ahead in 2022.
Despite the difficulties many people are facing, Mr Lee said the appeal had “gone really well.”
He said: “Initially I felt that even if we get 12 donations, that’s 12 children with smiles on their face, but it has surpassed expectation.
“It’s quite slow sometimes but it’s picked up dramatically, think it’s gone down quite well this year.”
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He added: “We haven’t had an official count yet though, so we don’t know exactly how many donations we have received.”
Last year the appeal raised 538 Silent Santa Christmas Gifts donated by hundreds of “generous” people.
The appeal isn’t just appreciated by children in need with Mr Lee stressing that many people are “happy to donate.”
He added: “The operation is really for the children but it’s amazing just to know how happy people are to donate.
“Sometimes parents will bring their children who decide what goes in the box for the other children.
“People are just incredibly generous, they donate knowing they won’t get a personal thank you or to see the smile it brings to children’s faces.
The Darlington councillor was keen to send his thanks to everyone who donated, and those who helped with the appeal.
He said: “My message is just to say thank you to all of those people who have donated and for being so generous.
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“I would also like to thank Lingfield Point, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue officers who have helped me a number of times over the years.”
The gifts are for children aged between four and 11 and people have been asked not to include anything with glass or nuts.
For next year, gifts can be dropped off at 1 Greenhill Rd, Heighington, DL5 6RN or 34 Duke Street Darlington, DL3 7AQ between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
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