The Exodus Love Christmas Hub at Palace Gardens Shopping Centre will be open until 23rd December to collect donations

The Exodus Youth Worx shop at Palace Gardens and (inset) mayor Suna Hurman cuts the ribbon — The Exodus Love Christmas Hub at Palace Gardens and (inset) mayor Suna Hurman cuts the ribbon

An Enfield youth charity is helping spread Christmas cheer by collecting gift donations to give to families who may not be able to afford them this year.

Exodus Youth Worx UK has taken over a vacant shop at Palace Gardens Shopping Centre in Enfield Town, opening the ‘Exodus Love Christmas Hub’ where young volunteers are offering a gift-wrapping service, collecting donations, and offering a space for people to have some refreshments.

Funds raised from the hub and accompanying online appeal between now and the 23rd will be used to fill 1,000 festive family hampers and “bags of kindness” for local people struggling amid the rising cost-of-living.

This week Enfield mayor Suna Hurman cut the ribbon on the Exodus Love Christmas Hub, which will be open Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm, and Saturdays 11am-3pm.

Tara Hanna from Exodus Youth Worx UK said: “Christmas is a season for kindness and a celebration of the greatest gift of love. It’s a time to reach out to neighbours and strangers by sharing generosity and the warmth of connection.

“This year, amid a cost-of-living crisis, we’re promoting kindness and connection over anxiety and isolation, by reaching out to those that are struggling or alone this Christmas with a hamper or bag of kindness.

“Let’s place love and kindness back at the heart of the Christmas season.”

Hampers, gifts and bags of kindness will be shared out among the community by partners including St Anne’s Catholic High School for Girls, Enfield Youth Development Service, The Salvation Army, Enfield Women’s Centre and Platinum Performing Arts.

Tara added: “Our campaign this year would not be possible without the kindness of so many, whether they are supporting with funding, creating hampers and bags of kindness, sharing the campaign, giving up their time to volunteer, or a charity supporting recipients. We could not do this without you!”

To support the Exodus Youth Worx Christmas campaign:
Visit localgiving.org/appeal/exoduslovechristmas2023

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