An appeal to bring festive cheer to patients spending Christmas in hospital has smashed the £1,000 mark thanks to the generosity of Black Country communities and NHS staff.
The Presents for Patients appeal at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was launched last month to ensure every patient spending the festive season in one of the Trust’s hospitals has a gift to open on Christmas Day.
Donations have topped the £1,000 mark, beating last year’s total with time still to go until Christmas Day.
Donations have flown in from across the Black Country, with individuals, businesses and Trust staff backing the appeal and demonstrating their generous community spirit.
Staff at BCHFT generously backed the campaign in creative ways. Instead of buying Secret Santa gifts for each other, the executive assistant team at the Trust donated their Secret Santa fund to the appeal, raising £135 in the process.
Meanwhile the Project Management Office threw themselves into fundraising by selling treat bags, wearing Christmas jumpers and holding festive activities which raised an impressive £175. Their manager even wore an elf costume for the day to celebrate their achievement.
Businesses also supported the appeal, with construction Company Building Services Now donating £500 worth of gifts to the collection.
Staff from across the Trust, which is the Lead Provider for mental health, autism and learning disability services in the Black Country, also teamed up to wrap presents ahead of presents being delivered to patients on Christmas Day.
Manisha Patel, Charity Engagement Officer at BCHFT, said: “Our Presents for Patients appeal could not happen without the support of our community and staff.
“The appeal is about more than presents, it is about showing someone you have probably never met that someone cares and that they are not alone this Christmas.
“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has backed the appeal. Your generosity will make a real difference and spread some joy this Christmas.”
There is still time to get involved in the appeal, to make a donation, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/presentsforpatients