A community centre in County Durham is celebrating a fantastic effort to support those most in need in their community. 

Glenroyd House in Consett has made a fantastic effort to support those most in need in the Consett community.

With a Santa’s Grotto experience like no other – Glenroyd House provides a meet and greet with Father Christmas in his magical grotto, with gifts and food and drink available for children and for parents who come to visit this free event.

The aim of hosting the event is to allow children to have a magical and festive experience – particularly for families who may not be able to afford it.

School friends Tizzy Gibson and Casey Lynn thoroughly enjoyed their experience meeting Father Christmas, they were both thrilled to find out they were on the nice list this year and received a host of gifts from a selection box, a Christmas bingo game, a magical key, a take-home hot chocolate mix, a bell and some stickers.

The Northern Echo: Father Christmas, left, Casey Lynn, middle, Tizzy Gibson at Glenroyd House

Tizzy told Father Christmas all about her elf on the shelf causing chaos and even sang a little rendition of Rudolph the red-nose reindeer for him. 

Tizzy’s mam Lindsey Gibson said: “Glenroyd House make an effort for families all throughout the year, they genuinely want to help and support the community, we've used Glenroyd for around five years now and we just love it.”

After visiting Father Christmas children and parents can receive a hot chocolate, a hot beef sandwich and are able to relax in the warm space. Children can colour and watch a Christmas film and parents can get involved in the tombola.

Not only does Glenroyd House host a Santa’s Grotto, but they also reach out to local schools, health visitors and social subscribers to to find vulnerable families that might need some extra help over the festive season.

The Northern Echo: Christmas gift hampers put together by Glenroyd House

Glenroyd House Chair Mark Clelland dresses up as Father Christmas for the event each year, he said: “We probably see around 350 children over the festive period, we do it every night until Christmas Eve and we will also be delivering the Christmas Day hampers too.”

The families most in need will receive both a toy and food hamper. To provide this Glenroyd House utilise their community pantry which runs all year round. Through food donations volunteers will put together specific Christmas Day food hampers that include crackers, a joint of meat, vegetables and sweet treats. 

The Northern Echo: Christmas food hampers put together by Glenroyd House

Manager Sharon Unsworth said: “The reason we do this is for the children, it’s helping families out who are struggling, to be able to give the children something to look forward to – a lot of places charge meaning some children won’t have the opportunity to experience meeting Santa.”

She also highlighted that the centre works all year round Sharon said: "Looking after the community isn’t just something that happens at Christmas time."

Tanya Sharp from Knitsley, County Durham came to Glenroyd House with her children Teddy and Tommy to deliver bags of food to contribute to the Christmas Day hampers, she said: “We do this every year to teach my children that Christmas isn’t just about presents, it’s about sharing and showing love and kindness.”

The Northern Echo: Teddy and Tommy Sharp bringing Donations to Glenroyd House

Those who have used Glenroyd House services have offered the utmost praise for the staff and volunteers who make the event happen each year.

Read More:

On a survey, one user wrote: "You were the best, most genuine, kind Santa we've ever met, I'm over the moon. Thank you all staff you are amazing. This felt like magic."

The hard work and dedication of staff at Glenroyd House is astounding – with the help of local businesses and families that have donated, they have been able to create something truly magical that embodies the true meaning of Christmas.