Mansfield District Council’s Secret Santa Appeal has been boosted by a grant from the Mayor’s 500 Fund.
The £500 will be used to buy toys and gifts for adults and children across the district as the campaign seeks to reach even more local families.
The Secret Santa Appeal, in partnership with Mansfield Building Society, is taking place for the third year in a row and is already seeing floods of donations from the public.
Residents can take new and unused presents to various drop-off locations for children of all ages and their adult careers until Monday 28 November. Or, they can make a monetary donation on the council’s Just Giving page (opens in new window).
The Mayor set up the fund when he was elected in May 2019, with the idea to help as many community projects as possible in small amounts up to £500. The fund is made up of the Mayor donating 30 percent of his take-home salary, and the opportunity to apply comes several times a year.
Elected Mayor Andy Abrahams said: "I'm passionate about our local community and enjoy giving something back to Mansfield each year.
"As we get closer to Christmas, coupled with the difficulties many families in Mansfield are facing this year with the Cost of Living, I want to make sure all the girls and boys get a present from Santa this year.
“With this extra cash boost, I hope we can do just that. We also ask for donations and gifts suitable for adult carers in our communities who also need a small token of thanks this festive season.
"I hope that making these donations from my allowance will encourage other organisations to contribute to our Secret Santa initiative or other groups in their neighbourhoods for the benefit of everyone this Christmas."
Among those who have benefited so far from the Mayor 500 scheme are Thoresby Band, Mansfield Community Choir, Mansfield Harriers Athletics Club, 2nd Mansfield Woodhouse Guides and Vibrant Warsop.
Groups, associations and individuals can apply for up to £500 to support projects in their area. The funding can be used for revenue and capital but must benefit the community directly.
News of when applications will re-open will be made via the council's Facebook page and website. For more information, visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/mayors500fund The next funding opportunity is anticipated in February 2023.
There will be various drop-off locations where people can leave their donations until Monday 28 November, when they will be collected and distributed through Mansfield Children’s Centre Service, Family Action FOOD Clubs and local schools.
The drop-off points are:
- Old Town Hall, Mansfield town centre
- Mansfield Building Society branch
- Civic Corner café, Mansfield Civic Centre
- Four Seasons Shopping Centre (from Monday 14 November, after the Royal British Legion poppy appeal has finished)
- Ravensdale Children’s Centre
- Mansfield Woodhouse Children’s Centre
- Ladybrook Children’s Centre
- Warsop Children’s Centre
- Mansfield Museum
- Smyths Toys, Portland Retail Park, Mansfield
Please check the opening days and times of individual venues before travelling.
For the Big Switch On, we would like to let residents know that at the end of the stage event, from 5pm until 5.05pm there will be a 5 minute firework display from the top of Walkden Street car park.
Due to this we highly recommend attendees do not bring dogs/ pets to this event.
If you live close by the town centre and have pets and are concerned for their wellbeing and safety, the RSPCA provide expertise and have expansive advice on how to keep your pet safe and calm during a firework display.