The annual campaign to deliver more than 1,000 gifts for inpatients at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on Christmas Day has begun, and this year it is even easier to get involved, thanks to local businesses.
N&N Hospitals Charity’s Send a Smile with Santa campaign delivers presents donated by the public to patients, both young and old, who are unable to celebrate Christmas at home with their families.
This year, there are a number of new drop off points across the county to make it easier for those who want to help and, for the first time, the charity has an Amazon Wish List and a JustGiving page where people can choose a gift or make a small donation which will be used exclusively to purchase a gift for a patient.
John Lewis has once again kicked off the donations with the delivery of 45 Jelly Cat cuddly toys – one for each of the babies who will spend Christmas in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Chief Nurse Nancy Fontaine said: “We were overwhelmed by the kindness of people last year and we were able to deliver a lovely present to each of our patients.
Santa will deliver a present for every patient at the N&N this Christmas Day.
“Nobody wants to spend time in hospital, and Christmas is so often a special time for people to be with family, and this is why we like to do something to make it a little nicer for our patients.
“We really hope that the people of Norfolk will once again support our appeal and help put a smile of the faces of our patients during the festive period.”
Presents can be dropped off by Sunday 8th December at NNUH West Atrium Inpatient reception, Cromer Hospital, the Archant building on Rouen Road in Norwich and Greater Anglian Norwich Railway Station Customer Service.
Tesco at Harford Bridge is supporting the appeal and presents can be dropped off there and Barnham Broom Hotel, Golf Club and Spa will also be collecting gifts and will give 10% discount on hot drinks in the Sports Bar to everyone who drops off a gift.
Gifts can also be taken to the café and farm shop at Old Hall Farm on Norwich Road in Woodton.
Louise Cook, Head of Fundraising, said: “We are delighted that these fantastic organisations are supporting us again and new ones have come on board.
“We know from our patients how lovely and unexpected it is to receive a gift on Christmas Day. They don’t need to be expensive gifts – toiletries, puzzle books, chocolates or socks are always greatly received.
“We have heard from people who would like to donate a gift but are unable to get out, so we this year we have an Amazon Wish List with small items which can be purchased and will be delivered directly to us, or a JustGiving page where a donation can be made and we will use that to purchase a gift for a patient.”
Click here to choose an item from our Send a Smile with Santa list on Amazon or to make a donation which will be used to purchase a gift, click here.
All presents should remain unwrapped so staff can ensure that presents are individually tailored for each patient, as well as protecting against potential infection. The hospital would also welcome donations of gift bags and wrapping paper.
Unfortunately we are not able to accept homemade gifts, electrical items, sharp objects or any used goods.
For more information on the appeal please contact 01603 287107 or email fundraising@nnuh.nhs.uk. Please ensure all presents are dropped off by December 8 2019 to allow time for the hospital to wrap presents in preparation for Christmas Day.
