Darlington Christmas generosity continues despite Covid as hundreds donate to vulnerable

Over 300 gifts for 11 community organisations were donated to town centre retailer Dunelm and wrapped by staff over the weekend after the store launched its giving tree.

Customers would normally take a tag off an in-store Christmas tree with the gender and age of a person on it, to then buy a Christmas present for. However, due to the pandemic, this year it was organised via Facebook.

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Store manager Glen Boll said: "It's absolutely fantastic.

"We wrapped everything this weekend. There were mince pies and tears. It just gets to you, wrapping something for a eight-month-year-old in need.

"We also saw the highest number of donations returned out of other Dunelm stores in the country.

"Considering we did this in the middle of a pandemic, it's unbelievable."

Staff at Dunelm in Darlington with Christmas presents donated via the tree and tag project. Picture: STUART BOULTON

Mr Boll, helped by team leader Chantal McGregor, partnered with 11 care homes, community groups and schools in Darlington, including a women's refuge, to ensure everyone had a gift to open this Christmas.

The dad-of-two, who thanked customers and staff for their support, also donated items.

Glen Boll Store Coach at Dunelm with one of the Deliver Joy this Christmas tree tags, where people choose a tag and buy a gift for someone in need Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

He said: "My children helped me put together boxes, it became a family thing. It's massively important to teach them that not everyone is as lucky as they are."

While the giving tree will return next Christmas, anyone wishing to stay involved with the store's community projects can find Dunelm Darlington Community Support on Facebook.