A COMPANY in Newton-le-Willows has teamed up with a charity to ensure struggling families have a special Christmas.

The team at Kingdom, a Newton-based firm on Ashton Road, has partnered with Teardrops, a St Helens homeless and vulnerable persons charity, to gift children who may not receive presents this year.

The charity’s Christmas Hamper Appeal aims to help struggling families who may not be able to afford food and other essential items over the festive period.

Food products such as cereal and milk, and Christmas gifts including toy sets, are among the donated items.

Jessica Brownlow, assistant accountant at Kingdom, was one of the organisers of the Teardrops charity appeal, alongside Luke Christopher, graphic designer, and Linda Littler, purchase ledger.

Jessica said: "Teardrops does important work for the local community in and around Merseyside, so we are delighted to support them in their vital mission to help people who are homeless.

"So many colleagues have given generously to the appeal despite the cost-of-living and tough economic climate.

"We are so pleased with what we’ve collected so far, with more colleagues planning to give over the coming days.

"I just want to say a big thank you to all the Kingdom colleagues who supported the appeal and who will help put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas who may have ended up without any festive cheer at all."

Nick Dyer, Teardrops’ general manager, added: "Each year Teardrops collect food and toys for our Christmas Hamper Appeal. This year, the need is greater than ever with the cost-of-living crisis upon us.

St Helens Star: Teardrops Christmas boxes for people in the communityTeardrops Christmas boxes for people in the community (Image: Teardrops)

"Each family receiving a hamper will also get a new toy for each child in their household. We are on course to supply 800 family hampers and over 1000 toys.

"Without the generosity of businesses like Kingdom we couldn’t support as many families as we do."

The charity manager recently told the Star that there has been an increase of families accessing food parcels, with food donations down by 30 per cent.

READ > Teardrops manager discusses the pressure of cost-of-living crisis

Donated items can be dropped off at Teardrop’s community hub on Crab Street.