FOLLOWING an incident last Tuesday (December 21) that caused a group of charitable locals to feel embarrassed and upset, faith was restored when a Darlington resident thanked them for their good work.

Barry Jonas, instigated a service to provide Christmas presents to struggling families in Darlington in November and has brought festive cheer to many households with help from Liam Anderson, Billy Stainthorp and Darren Aspey.

Mr Jonas took to Facebook to ask residents to nominate deserving families to receive presents in the build-up to Christmas.

Read more: Santa's helpers 'embarrassed' after being turned away from Darlington shopping centre

After his trip to Darlington’s Cornmill Centre to hand out extra gifts with his daughters, 9 and 11, and his niece, 10, ended in tears when a security guard told them to leave, Mr Jonas was left deflated and embarrassed, and he lodged a formal complaint against the Cornmill Centre.

Susan Young, centre manager at the Cornmill Centre said: “At the Cornmill we do value our customers and take all complaints seriously and, in line with our centre policy, I will contact Mr Jonas directly, advising him of the course of action being taken.”

His faith in humanity was restored however when a Darlington woman who had received gifts and nominated others as well, gave him a huge hamper to say thank you.

The woman wished to remain anonymous but Mr Jonas was so grateful for the act of kindness he couldn’t help but spread the joy.

Read more: Why Santa's helpers were spotted in Darlington helping local families in need

Taking to the community Facebook group ‘S.I.N.G’ (Support those In Need Group) that he set up to raise awareness of the cause, Mr Jonas said: “I went to drop some little presents off for her children and she absolutely caught me off guard with a large hamper.

“When I was presented with this hamper I was kind of speechless.

"I did manage to get a thank you out but I think that was about it.

“I just hope she sees this and realises especially after the events (of December 21) I was in a very low mood with it all, this has absolutely restored my faith and lifted my spirits so high.

“My youngest (daughter) was just amazed when she saw it (the hamper).

“After what happened at the Cornmill it was nice to be able to say there are good people in the world after all.”

Read more: Darlington shop celebrates first Christmas with present donation service

The group organised a Go Fund Me page to raise money to help as many struggling people in Darlington as possible.

The group has said this isn’t just for Christmas, they would also like to help people throughout next year as well and donations are very welcome.

If you would like to donate via the Go Fund Me page, click here.

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