Managers at Blaby District Council swapped their suits for fancy dress in order to help local charity Homestart get in the festive spirit.
Through Leicestershire Cares the Council took part in a festive challenge which involved providing helpers, food, presents and party games for Homestart’s Christmas party.
Homestart is a voluntary organisation that works with families who have children under the age of five. The party was for parents and carers and their children, taking place at the Braunstone Civic Centre on Monday December 17.
Kevin Pegg, Leicestershire Cares Champion and one of the Group Managers that helped out on the day, said:
“The party was a great success and thanks to generous donations from Council staff we were able to give every child a Christmas present.
“Homestart believe children need a happy and secure childhood and want to see every parent, in our community, have the support they need to give their children the best start in life. They are doing a fantastic job and we are extremely pleased to be able to support them.”
As well as volunteers visiting family homes, Homestart also run a number of groups in the community that families can attend, to meet new people, feel involved, talk to others in the same situation and gain support from staff and volunteers.
Kay Hewitt, Scheme Manager at Homestart, said:
“We would like to thank Blaby District Council for the generous support they gave us to provide a fantastic Christmas party, providing food, presents for children, even doing the washing up.
“These are families who are experiencing difficulties and for some it is the only event they will go to over the Christmas period.”
Blaby District Council got involved through Leicestershire Cares, a charity that brings businesses and communities together through employee volunteering.
They provide volunteering opportunities for companies looking to get involved with communities in Leicestershire and Rutland.
Katharine Lightbrown, Community Coordinator at Leicestershire Cares, said:
“Festive Challenges are a simple but wonderful way to spread Christmas cheer. The Council volunteers helped many children and families to really enjoy their festivities at the centre.”
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