Swindon coffee shops are preparing to serve up a special treat for vulnerable and disadvantaged children this Christmas.
The Starbucks stores in the Great Western Designer Village and the Brunel Shopping Centre are inviting customers to pick a card off their Christmas tree and donate a gift for the child whose gender and age appears on it.
The presents will then be wrapped and delivered to families supported by children’s charity Barnardo’s.
The Starbucks in Swindon are part of a franchise managed by the Magic Bean Company.
Magic Bean district manager Simon Betreen said: “Christmas can be a stressful time for parents with financial difficulties, and we don’t want to see children going without.
“We hope customers will be generous in supporting our campaign to purchase gifts for families who might otherwise struggle to celebrate such a special occasion.”
Barnardo’s regional relationships manager Julie Kemp said: “We’re very grateful for this wonderful support from Magic Bean and their Starbucks staff.
“It’s a great way remind vulnerable and disadvantaged families that they’re not alone and that people are thinking of them this Christmas.
“Hopefully the presents will create lots of happy smiles and fond memories for children and young people across the region.”
The Christmas present collection runs until Friday December 14.
For further information on fundraising for Barnardo’s, call Julie Kemp on 07933 501175 or email julie.kemp@barnardos.org.uk
Last year Barnardo’s supported more than 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers across the UK.
This includes work with young carers, care-leavers, children affected by child sexual exploitation and abuse, and support for fostering and adoption.
Visit www.barnardos.org.uk
