Rosie's Hexham Corner launches Christmas gift appeal

Rosie's Hexham Corner, based at Unit 8, Adapt Enterprise Hub, Burn Lane, launched its appeal to support families by providing Christmas presents.

Rosie Gilchrist, from Hexham, started the foundation in 2018 when she was struggling financially due to the two-child policy.

The angel tree (Image: Supplied) Now a registered charity, it provides pre-owned baby and children's clothing, uniforms, shoes and equipment to families in need in West Northumberland.

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Rosie said in the last two years, 1,098 bundles left the charity to help families and the increase in demand has grown by 64 per cent.

The angel tree (Image: Supplied) "I can only imagine that's going to surge during the Christmas months, I know families are worrying about fuel costs, shopping and the cost-of-living crisis.

"They can access the service for free or they can give us a donation it depends on their circumstances. It's all self-referral - they can drop in, give us a call or message on Facebook."

Rosie's Hexham Corner has partnered with Asda Express in Hexham which has a Christmas tree in-store displaying angels, representing gifts for children whose families are accessing the charity's services.

Anyone can take an angel from the tree and buy one or more of the listed gift ideas.

Rosie and Asda Express manager Sarah will collectively distribute all gifts before Christmas.

Since launching the appeal on November 4, Rosie said there are already 40 angels on the tree.

The angels will provide gifts for children in the Hexham community and wider west Northumberland.

"We've also got five donation points for Christmas gifts. We've got one at the Queen's Hall on Beaumont Street, the Hexham Co-op on West Street, Mr Wolf's toy shop, one at Acomb Methodist Church and Berry’s Tearoom, Brampton."

People can either go to the Asda Express at Hexham's BP garage to collect an angel from the tree and buy a specific gift listed on the angel, or buy separate gifts and donate them at one of the charity's gift collection points.

"I'm trying to release some pressure by helping families out and giving them a head start with Christmas presents. We can also point them in the direction of other organisations who are trying to help, it's all to work together as a community to help the community."

Rosie thanked Asda Express and Sarah for making the Christmas angel appeal happen this year.

Presents need to be returned to Asda Express for the angel appeal by December 16.