Theatre Needs Your Help to Spread Christmas Joy
Posted on: Friday, November 18, 2022Christmas should be the happiest time of year, but for some, especially in this cost-of-living crisis, it can be difficult to celebrate. That’s why the Palace Theatre Newark is delighted to announce the return of its Palace Presents scheme for a third year, and this time there’s an added incentive: free entry to the National Civil War Centre for anyone who donates, plus a guest.
Launched in 2020, the gift donation initiative has so far sent hundreds of gifts, worth thousands of pounds, to local charities, spreading Christmas joy beyond the panto stage. This year, some local schools will also be involved alongside 6 charities: Newark Emmaus Trust, Newark Women’s Aid, HUG – Help Us Grieve, Think Children, YMCA Newark and Sherwood and Beaumond House.
All donations of new, unused gifts are appreciated but some charities have offered suggestions for presents which are most needed by the people they help. These include food like chocolate, biscuits and tins of soup; beauty and personal care items including moisturiser, body wash, shampoo, lip balms, deodorants and soap; toys and games such as colouring books for both adults and children, play dough, board games, fidget toys, hand puppets, puzzles and craft supplies; clothing like scarves, hats, socks, gloves, fluffy socks; and miscellaneous items including covered hot water bottles, Christmas mugs, writing books and journals, sensory items, headphones and useful household items for setting up a home.
Councillor Rhona Holloway, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Visitors at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Our team at the Palace Theatre always love seeing the happy, smiling faces of everyone coming to enjoy panto and we hope that some visitors to Cinderella this year will be inspired to spread that joy to others through the Palace Presents scheme.
“We know that the vast majority of our theatregoers will be feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis in some way so we’re more appreciative than ever to those who are able to help. We’re happy to be able to demonstrate that appreciation this year with free museum entry being offered to donors for the first time too.”
Gifts can be dropped off at the Palace Theatre Newark Box Office from Wednesday 30 November to Saturday 17 December. They should be wrapped and have a removable label stating which items are enclosed along with any gender suitability and age range. All gift donors will be eligible to receive a free entry pass for two people to the National Civil War Centre, valid throughout January.
For more information, please visit https://www.palacenewark.com/take-part/palace-presents/ and follow Palace Theatre Newark on Facebook.