Now in its fourth year, the campaign aims to help people who may not otherwise receive a gift to open on Christmas Day.
The idea is simple – customers can collect a tag from a local Dunelm store with a gift request from a local good cause, including schools, care homes, refuges, and charities. Customers are asked to return the tag, attached to a gift which can be from any retailer, and Dunelm will ensure the gift is delivered before Christmas.
Generous staff at Cygnet Social Care’s Sheffield Day Services have been hard at work supporting the important cause, with dozens of gifts donated.
Last year’s Dunelm campaign saw the number of donated gifts across the UK soar from 20,000 to more than 60,000 and this year looks likely to top that.
Manager Helen Ullyatt said she was pleased her team were able to play a part in spreading festive cheer.
She said: “The amazing staff at Sheffield Day Service wanted to spread some joy for people in the community that would otherwise go without. It is an incredible gesture of goodwill.
“I’m so proud of the staff team, as always they have gone the extra mile to support a great cause. At a time when we are all feeling the pinch, they wanted to spread some happiness.
“Some of the gift requests are incredibly simple, suggesting that the potential recipients are still struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
“Children have been asking for new underwear, teddies and hair bobbles for school, amongst other items. Many people put winter essentials at the top of their wish lists with items such as hats, scarves, socks, toiletries and festive food items like selection boxes.”
Sheffield Day Services, in Woodhouse, specialises in supporting individuals with a primary diagnosis of a learning disability, in addition to those with complex health needs, physical disabilities and those with autism.