PRESENTS will be delivered to vulnerable children who may have otherwise gone without this Christmas.
One charity is bringing presents to children who would otherwise be waking up on Christmas morning without any.
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Norah’s North Pole was set up in memory of Norah Wilkinson, a grandma who loved children and the magic of Christmas. Although she did not grow up with much herself, she lived by the motto of 'it’s nice to be nice', something her family live out in her memory.
Before passing away, with the help of her grandchildren Norah bought and wrapped gifts for children who were less fortunate than them. Her daughter Josie, a social worker, would deliver these presents on Christmas Eve.
Norah died in 2015 aged 92, but her tradition continued and now her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are determined to continue her kind work. Since 2016, the charity has delivered almost 14,000 santa sacks to children across the North East.
Norah’s North Pole works with head teachers, health visitors, councillors and social worker teams to get Santa sacks to the most vulnerable children in the North East who are likely to wake up to empty stockings this year.
The impact of inflation and delivery delays due to Royal Mail Strikes has been significant for Norah’s North Pole. As the big day approaches, the charity is relying on the generosity of the local community to support its work.
Tor Imrie-Bell, Norah’s Granddaughter and Head Elf said: "We have had so many gorgeous donations which will make children across the North East so happy on Christmas morning. The presents that are donated not only make a child happy on Christmas morning, but the impact of people's kindness lasts far beyond Christmas Day.
"Often these are the only toys children have, that is why we ask the toys are new, so every child can experience opening a present which was bought just for them. This year the number of children on our lists has grown and there are more children than ever set to go without a single present.
"Parents are choosing to heat or eat this year, therefore presents are not possible this year."
Drop-off locations are across the North East, with several in Newcastle.
Find all locations at www.norahsnorthpole.co.uk.
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