Kingston University students spread a little festive cheer

18/12/08

Kingston University students spread a little festive cheer

Kind-hearted staff and students from Kingston University will be helping to put a smile on youngsters’ faces at CHASE hospice care for children in Guildford this year, thanks to a Christmas present donation scheme. Dozens of gifts have been dropped off at collection points across the South West London University’s four campuses ready for distribution to the charity this weekend.

The number of students and staff who bought gifts in for the annual donation drive had increased this year despite the credit crunch, Kingston University Students’ Union volunteer co-ordinator Alex Britton said. "The idea is to spread a little festive cheer," Miss Britton said. "CHASE does great work looking after children, from babies to teenagers, who are poorly or need respite care and we wanted to bring a smile to the children’s faces. We’ve had all sorts of gifts delivered from a soft toys and jigsaws to art equipment and books. People have been really generous."

CHASE fundraising manager Melanie Hill said she was delighted Kingston University’s Students’ Union had taken the time to organise the collection. "Our community care team members make regular visits to families in their own homes in the Kingston area, giving support and help to them, when and where it is needed," Ms Hill said. "Many of these families will also be visiting our children’s hospice near Guildford at Christmas to spend some quality time together and create special memories, so these gifts and toys will help to make this time even more special for them."

Generous staff and students have also provided a pile of wrapping paper and trimmings ready for hospice staff to wrap the gifts once they have matched them to individual children’s interests. Santa will be on hand to dish out the gifts on Christmas Day.