IT is with great pleasure that the Star can announce that the charitable foundation of this newspaper’s publisher Newsquest will be donating nearly £9,810 to support the Teardrops Homeless Hub.

The centre, based on Crab Street, will use the money to improve its facility, which is housed in the Oxford Building, creating a walk-in shower and to buy a commercial dishwasher. This will help them treat more people in crisis.

Homelessness, rough sleeping and poverty are real concerns for towns and cities across the UK and as we approach 2019, it is pleasing for the Star to lend a hand to support one of the many community organisations and charities that provide such incredible services for the vulnerable.

Reporting on the schools and volunteers that came together with Teardrops to create 350 hampers for people in need shows the powerful force of good that they are creating.

And they are not alone.

At this time of year, it is appropriate to shine light on the charity and volunteer sectors that make St Helens a place that is filled with generosity and kindness.

At the town hall this week dozens of gift hampers – donated by businesses from across St Helens – were distributed to young people, who have recently left the care system.

Many of these youngsters may not otherwise receive a gift.

And elsewhere in this newspaper you will read about the annual Chocolate Orange challenge, which has seen hospitals across the North West receive small treats – a gift from the people of St Helens to NHS staff.

There are so many acts of kindness going on...it is impossible to list them all.

But it is not just at Christmas. The goodwill, the kindness, the generosity, we see all year around.

St Helens is a generous borough; a place with a big heart, where people are compassionate, friendly and helpful.

Bad things happen here and there and there are some bad people. But this is outweighed everyday by the goodness and spirit that binds the community.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers.