Castlegate put community at heart of Christmas

A Christmas Share & Sparkle initiative, a partnership between Stockton’s Castlegate Shopping Centre and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, is asking shoppers to buy an extra gift this Christmas to be donated to those most in need within the local community.
Karen Eve, Centre Manager at Castlegate said: “Share & Sparkle is a community-focused Christmas campaign that puts a spotlight on the needs and good deeds happening in Stockton.
“Many of our retailers are local businesses who rely on the support of Christmas shoppers to come in and buy gifts to help sustain them during less busy times of the year.
“The campaign will also support the many people within our community who are in crisis at Christmas. With the kindness of our shoppers, we aim to have gifts donated that can be given out to those most in need.
“We want to invest and support our community, our retailers and visitors. We are proud to be part of a community that cares and gives to those who need a little extra support, especially at this time of year” added Karen.
The Share & Sparkle campaign asks shoppers to buy an extra gift this Christmas and drop off items such as toys, hats, scarves, books, boxed food goods, books and toiletries at Santa’s Grotto in Castlegate Shopping Centre.  Gifts will be collected and distributed by Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation in the run up to Christmas.
Andy Preston, the Foundation’s chairman and founder,said: “Castlegate Shopping Centre has been a generous supporter of the Foundation for several years and we’re grateful for all the support Stockton shoppers continue to give our charity.
“We can promise them every penny stays right here on Teesside to bring a little festive cheer into the lives of the most disadvantaged families and children. We hope Castlegate’s grotto inspires the Christmas spirit of giving.”