Liverpool residents are being asked to show their legendary generosity to make sure that some of the city’s most vulnerable young people have a present to open this Christmas.
Liverpool City Council has launched its annual Christmas Gift Appeal which asks the public and council employees to donate items that will be given to young people who are leaving the care system.
The annual appeal ensures that care leavers have at least one present to open during the festive period.
Care Leavers are young people aged 18-25 who have previously been in the care of the local authority but are now currently receiving support and guidance as they move out of the care system to live independently. With limited or no family around them, the gift appeal ensures they each receive at least one present at Christmas.
The appeal is being run via an Amazon Wish List to make it as convenient as possible for people to make a donation. The closing date for donations is Monday 8 December.
It’s easy to donate. Just click on the item in the Amazon wish list that you wish to donate and don’t forget to select the gift registry address Rachael Burke, Care Leavers team.
Donations can also be made using the donation boxes at the Cunard building, Toxteth Annex and at Edge Hill customer focus centre. Boxes will be labelled Care Leavers Christmas appeal’
There are a range of items available to purchase starting from as little as £3 and every contribution will be wrapped and distributed by council staff in time for Christmas.
Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Due to their childhood experiences, often Care Leavers have limited contact with their family or do not have biological family members who are able to buy them gifts and Christmas time can be a lonely time for some.
“Please help us to share some Christmas spirit by enabling all our Care Leavers to receive a gift at Christmas this year.”