Palace Presents scheme run by Newark and Sherwood District Council gives gifts to good causes

Many more people in need will have woken up to presents on Christmas morning thanks to a gift donation scheme.

Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Palace Presents scheme saw 263 gifts ­— the highest figure in the three years it has been running ­— donated by theatre visitors.

The presents have now been distributed to six charities.

Those included Beaumond House Hospice Care, Newark Emmaus Trust, Newark Academy ­— which also provided a second hub for donations ­— YMCA Newark, HUG Help Us Grieve, Newark Women’s Aid and Think Children.

Cathy Lowe, head of fundraising at Beaumond House Hospice Care, said: “This is the third time that patients at Beaumond House have benefited from the incredible generosity of local people through this scheme. The gifts are all beautifully wrapped and we know they are received with incredible gratitude. Thank you to everyone who donated.”

A Newark Emmaus Trust representative added: “The gifts collected make a huge difference to our residents and their children who are always very appreciative of the generosity of the local community and the Christmas spirit being shared.”

At Newark Academy the gifts went to some of the school’s most vulnerable young people.

Andrew Athey, associate school leader, said: “It was a very humbling experience for us all, but also truly joyous seeing the smiles on our students’ faces when passing over the presents.”

Rhona Holloway, council portfolio holder for Economic Development and Visitors, added: “Every year we are bowled over by the amazing generosity and kindness of our residents who, even with the rising cost of living, have delivered a record-breaking response.

“While the theatre has been putting smiles on faces at their spectacular panto Cinderella, it’s so wonderful that they have been able to spread that joy outside of the building too, reaching out to people in need with extra special presents to open this Christmas.”