Thurrock's 'Give a Gift' Campaign Returns to Support Vulnerable Children

The eleventh annual initiative, a collaboration between Thurrock Council and Impulse Leisure, aims to provide Christmas presents for children in need.

A pile of Christmas gifts and toys for the Give a Gift campaign.
AI

A pile of Christmas gifts and toys for the Give a Gift campaign.

Thurrock Council and Impulse Leisure have launched their eleventh annual 'Give a Gift' campaign, aiming to provide presents for vulnerable children under 10 and vouchers for those aged 10 and over.

The joint initiative seeks to ensure that some of Thurrock's most vulnerable children receive a gift on Christmas Day. Donations of toys and gifts are being accepted at any of the Impulse Leisure centre sites. These contributions will be distributed to vulnerable children in Thurrock and those at Little Havens Children's Hospice.
As an incentive for donations, residents can have their joining fee waived on a new gym membership at the participating Impulse Leisure sites when they donate two or more toys. Donations are currently being accepted at the following locations: Blackshots (Grays, RM16 2JU), Corringham (Springhouse Road, SS17 7NB), and Belhus Park Golf & Country Club (South Ockendon, RM15 4PX).
Financial contributions can also be made towards gift cards for Thurrock's vulnerable children over the age of ten via Thurrock Council's online collection pot. Donations are welcomed until Friday 11 December 2026.
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"The Give a Gift campaign is one of the most meaningful initiatives we support each year. Christmas should be a time of joy, excitement and treasured memories for every child, yet we know that for some families this can be a particularly challenging time. The incredible generosity shown by our communities year after year never fails to inspire us. Every toy, gift and donation represents far more than a present. It is a reminder to a child that they are valued, cared for and not forgotten. We are proud to once again partner with Thurrock Council and support Little Havens Children's Hospice in helping to bring a little Christmas magic to local children who need it most. We encourage anyone who is able to donate to visit one of our centres and join us in making a real difference. Together, we can help create special moments and happy memories that will last long beyond Christmas Day."

Karl Hayes · Managing Director at Impulse Leisure
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"Christmas is a time where friends and loved ones come together, but for others it can be a difficult holiday. I’m absolutely delighted that Give a Gift has returned for another year, so we can all help to ensure our borough's vulnerable children can have a gift to unwrap on Christmas Day. Each year it has brought together communities from across Thurrock. If you can donate, I would really encourage you to get involved and help make a difference, thanks to Impulse Leisure as an added incentive you can save money on the joining fee for a new membership when you donate two or more toys to one of its sites."

Cllr Milena Bingley · Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children's Services
Based on information from the official source: Thurrock Council (08/10/2026)