Staff in BT Open Reach Hubs offices around the country have been helping to spread Christmas cheer to some of the families we support by distributing presents and gift packages to local Home-Starts across the UK.

From Home-Start Kernow in the west, to Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal in the east, and From Glasgow in Scotland to Welwyn Hatfield in the south of England, BT teams have donated hundreds of gifts that will be given to families as part of our Christmas celebrations.

At Home-Start Welwyn Hatfield, 38 children came along to a Christmas party and pantomime. Acting manager, Caroline Baynes said, "the youngsters were mesmerised by the show – it is wonderful that they were able to experience live theatre, especially as some would not normally be able to because of the challenging circumstances their families are facing.  And we are very grateful to the BT staff for providing Christmas gifts for the children.  We are continuing to deliver Christmas gifts this week to our families who were unable to attend the party".

The mum of two of the children who received presents said she was 

absolutely overwhelmed.  Can’t believe how many gifts were given – it was like a mini Christmas all in one day!  We’re really lost for words.  Can’t believe all the effort and thought that’s gone into them.

In Glasgow, the local Home-Start manager, Nikki said that she told a team from BT all about the work that their volunteers did with local families. “A few hours later,” she said, “I returned to be greeted by a wonderful selection of presents! It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas….”

Sue Thorn, head of fundraising at Home-Start UK, said “For too many children Christmas is not a wonderful time of the year, which is why the support from BT employees and the work of Home-Start volunteers is so important. Thank you to everyone who has helped provide gifts for children, and to all those who have helped to distribute them to families. We hope you all have a very merry Christmas".