The City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy has declared her support for the Northern Echo's Put in a Pound appeal - urging people to donate. 

Two weeks ago, The Northern Echo launched our Christmas appeal, asking every reader to 'put in a pound' over the festive period, in order to support charities facing an unprecedented level of demand during the cost of living crisis. 

In two weeks, nearly £3,000 has been donated, thanks to the unerring generosity of Northern Echo readers. 

MP for Durham City, Mary Kelly Foy, took to Twitter to show her support for our campaign.

Read more: Northern Echo 'Put in a Pound' campaign passes £2,500 raised so far

She wrote: "As poverty becomes a harsh reality for many across the county, it is good to see The Northern Echo supporting County Durham Community Foundation's 'Poverty Hurts' appeal.

"If you are able to donate and make this winter a little easier for our most vulnerable people, please do."

Almost 32,000 local children and young people are being hurt by poverty in and around County Durham.

By donating just £1 you will be supporting families choosing between heating and eating, older people at risk of dying in cold homes, children without warm clothes, and many more.

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And for each pound donated (up to £100k) the Foundation will match it with 50p, thanks to the generosity of its existing supporters, meaning your £1 donation will be worth £1.50 to great local causes in Durham, Darlington and the Tees Valley, and the work of the Foundation.

Just £5 could pay for an older person to enjoy a hot meal and friendship in their local community centre, or for warm underwear for a child without.

£10 could buy a new mum living in poverty a pack of baby essentials so she can afford her rent.

Or £30 could pay for a heater for someone in end-of-life-care with a broken boiler to stay warm until a repair is arranged.

You can donate just £1*, or more, if you can afford it, through The Northern Echo’s 'Poverty, Hurts' fundraising page by following this link.

 small amount from each donation is taken as a processing fee by County Durham Community Foundation's trusted giving platform 'enthuse'.

For example, if you donate £20 plus £5 Gift Aid, 83p will be taken as a processing fee. Due to the Foundation matching donations, your final donation would be £34.17.

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