PEOPLE visiting ODEON Luxe Warrington can help bring Christmas to patients at Warrington and Halton Hospitals by donating a gift during their trip to the cinema.
The Westbrook cinema has become a drop-off point for Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity’s Christmas Gift Appeal, which provides presents for children and adults spending the festive season in hospital.
The charity is asking for new, unwrapped gifts worth up to £10, with donations welcomed from local residents, businesses and cinema guests.
Amy Sheridan, Cinema Manager at ODEON Luxe Warrington, said: “Christmas should be a magical time for every child, but for some families it will be spent in hospital. We’re delighted to be supporting Warrington & Halton Hospitals Charity and helping our guests make a difference to young patients in our local community. Even a small gift can help bring a smile to a child during what can be a difficult time.”
The appeal supports children from birth to 18, as well as adult patients who may be missing family gatherings and familiar traditions.
On Warrington Hospital’s Children’s Ward, staff hang stockings at the end of beds ready for Christmas morning. Father Christmas also visits during the week before Christmas to hand out donated presents.
Helen Higginson, head of fundraising at Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity, said: “Our ward teams put a great deal of thought into making Christmas special for patients, and the gifts donated by our community help make that possible.
“We want adults to feel remembered too, particularly those who may be spending Christmas without a visit from family or friends. Something as simple as a toiletry set or a pair of cosy socks gives someone a present to open and lets them know they’ve been thought of.
“Thank you to Amy and everyone at ODEON Luxe Warrington for getting behind the appeal, and to everyone who can spare a gift this year.”
Suggested gifts include early-learning toys, board games and character figures for children, and toiletries, hats, gloves and diaries for teenagers. For adults, donations could include chocolates, cosy socks, colouring books, large-piece jigsaws or picture books featuring gardens, animals and familiar places.
Gifts should be left unwrapped so staff can match them to patients’ ages and interests.
Donations can be dropped off at:
• ODEON Luxe Warrington Cinema, Cromwell Avenue, Westbrook, Warrington, WA5 8UD
• Warrington Hospital Charity Office, WA5 1QG
• Halton Hospital General Office, WA7 2DA
For more information about the appeal and the work of Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity, visit their website: https://whhcharity.org.uk/
