Care at Christmas Campaign: Father Christmas unveils delightful grotto at Acorns Children's Hospice
The man who wears a red suit was kept busy bringing some much-needed festive cheer to families being cared for by Acorns Children’s Hospice.
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Delightfully decorated Christmas grottos have been unveiled at the hospice centres serving the Black Country, Birmingham and Wyre Forest communities in the season of good cheer.
In Walsall the staff welcomed around 60 families from across the region to visit the grounds to meet the big man and his helpers so the children can put in their wish list requests ahead of December 25 and collect an early treat.
The amazing grotto at the Black Country centre based in Walstead Road in Delves in Walsall was built and decorated by staff from Nationwide bank's Bilston branch.
Acorns Children's Hospice Black Country volunteers manager Toby Mobberley says: “Every child should get the opportunity to visit Santa's Grotto and enjoy what is one of the most memorable and loved experiences in the run up to Christmas.
"But for many of the children we care for, because of their complex care needs, going to see Father Christmas just isn’t possible. At Acorns, we never want anyone to miss out, so we bring Santa to them.
“Our Grotto evenings have become a real favourite for families and seeing the smiles on faces makes it all worthwhile. We’re all about creating memories families can treasure and this is just one of the many ways Acorns brings some festive magic to families over Christmas alongside our specialist care and support.”
Last month staff at the centre based in Oak Tree Lane in Selly Oak put on a festive fair with attractions including the bearded guest, elves, refreshments, book and toy stall , raffle and tombola prizes and craft stalls.
The Express & Star has launched the ‘Care at Christmas’ campaign to support the trust's efforts to cover its running costs of £35,000 per day to keep the three sites open for the children who need the facilities.
At Christmas the trust doubles efforts to ensure the families being supported have opportunities to create unforgettable memories with their child regardless of how short their time together will be. Each centre provides vital care and support that allows families to make the most of each precious moment.
Each hospice has specially decorated bedrooms which are designed to cater for the needs of babies, children and teenagers. There is also accommodation for families so they can stay close by, and separate adolescent spaces are also at hand.
How to Give: acorns.org.uk/Star-Appeal
