Newark Palace Theatre’s Palace Presents initiative returns to ensure those in need wake up to gifts this Christmas

A donation scheme designed to bring Christmas joy to those most in need has returned once again, after being blown away by residents’ generosity.

The Palace Presents initiative by the Palace Theatre, Newark, has already had four successful years, and with the help of the public will again ensure more people in need will wake up to presents on Christmas morning.

The charities involved this year will include Newark Women’s Aid, Newark Emmaus Trust and Beaumond House Hospice Care.

All donations of new, unused gifts are appreciated — such as chocolate, biscuits, beauty and personal care items, toys and games, clothing like scarves, hats, socks, gloves, fluffy socks, covered hot water bottles, and useful household items for setting up a home.

Presents should be wrapped with a removable tag indicating the contents and who they might be suitable for and can be dropped off at the Palace Theatre Box Office until Friday, December 13.

Donations can be made during opening hours of Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, or when attending a performance of this year’s festive pantomime, Aladdin.

Rowan Cozens, deputy leader and portfolio holder for heritage, culture and the arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “I am delighted we are able to run this successful scheme once again, it is such a lovely initiative and a great way to spread the joy whilst doing your Christmas shopping in our fantastic independent stores or while visiting the Palace to enjoy their wonderful pantomime with family and friends.

“This time of year is all about sharing and giving and Palace Presents offers the chance to include even more people in that so I do encourage anyone who can to get involved.”