Kind-hearted churchgoers have brought some early festive cheer to children in Hartlepool Borough Council’s care with a very generous gift.
Members and friends of St George’s United Reformed Church and Grange Road Methodist Church – who worship together - have donated £400 of Amazon gift vouchers to the Council’s Fostering Team.
Councillor Melanie Morley (centre) is presented with the gift vouchers by St George’s Church United Reformed Church and Grange Road Methodist Church members and friends Ryan Ford, Ray Trench, Paul Rodgers and Katie Bosworth
Ray Trench, a member of the congregation, has been a foster carer for the Council for six years, while his wife Tracy has fostered for over 20 years.
He said: “I came from a very happy home, but sadly that is not the case for some children.
“The foster care that children receive in Hartlepool is brilliant, helping give them the loving, stable start they need in life, and this is just a small token from us to say we appreciate what the Council does for the young people.”
Councillor Melanie Morley, Chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “This is an absolutely wonderful gift and our heartfelt thanks go to the members and friends of St George’s United Reformed Church and Grange Road Methodist Church for their kindness.
“The Council has over 300 children in its care, in fostering placements and residential homes, some of whom come to us with nothing.
“This very generous gift will help us to buy the children in our care the things they need and to get some little treats for them. It will mean so much.”
There are lots of children in Hartlepool who urgently need safe and caring foster homes. To find out more about fostering with Hartlepool Borough Council, visit www.fosterwithnortheast.org.uk