Southport Theatre and Convention Centre supports people in need this Christmas 

For the fourth year, the STCC’s Tree of Hope is proudly positioned in the theatre foyer, located on the Promenade. Since its launch the Tree of Hope Appeal has donated over 350 winter warmer gifts and non-perishable food items. Locals are being asked to support the Appeal once again and place gifts under the tree before the big day arrives.

Presents will be distributed among local churches holding free Christmas dinners for those who might not have anyone to spend Christmas with or simply can’t afford the Christmas festivities. Southport churches offering free meals include St Patrick’s and Holy Trinity.

All non-perishable food items will be donated to Southport Food Bank, who will package parcels during the New Year. Food items can be donated until the end of STCC’s family pantomime Cinderella on 6^th January.

As a thank you, everyone who donates will receive a raffle ticket, with prizes drawn on December 23^rd, 30^th and 6^th January. Prizes have been donated by an array of local businesses and include a family ticket for STCC’s 2018 pantomime and hugely popular cookery books from The Lemon Tree Bakery in Southport.

To continue its community support, STCC has also teamed up with The Southport Christmas Shelter to offer something sweet to those facing hardship this Christmas. During 22^nd – 26^th December, 400 desserts and cups of coffee will be handed out at the volunteer-run shelter based in the Alchemy building at Parenting 2000.

Lisa Chu, General Manager of STCC, said: “Christmas is such a special time of year but for many people it is a time of struggle and loneliness. As a local business it is important for us to help support our community, helping those who need it most. We’ve seen the impact our Tree of Hope Appeal donations make, so we are asking residents to support us again this year. We are proud to be partnering with a number of organisations who make such a difference, especially during the festive period.”

Offering referral services to the homeless, people struggling with money problems and the lonely, The Southport Christmas Shelter is a vital service for people across the area.  Shelter co-ordinator, Ken Jones, said: “Hard times make our provision more necessary than ever and I am thankful for supporters, old and new like Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, to help us to share some festive cheer during a dark time of the year for many.”

Collections for The Southport Christmas Shelter will be available at each Cinderella Pantomime performance, which runs from 15^th December to 6^th January 2018.