Hartlepool: Donations for Christmas appeal drop amid rising costs

Niki and Steven have been running the appeal for 13 years

An annual appeal for Christmas presents is facing its most challenging year yet amid the cost of living crisis.

The Hartlepool-based appeal, now in its 13th year, usually sees thousands of presents donated for children and families in need.

However, organisers are worried as donations have remained in the hundreds so far this year.

Organiser Niki Cotson said fewer people had been able to help because of rising household costs.

"Everyone seems to be saying the same thing," she explained.

"The shop increases, just general food, grocery increases. Then we had the bills hikes last year, where everyone's bills were going through the roof. I think it's just household financial struggles."

'Disheartening'

The appeal sees presents donated to hospitals and families in need, as well as community centres and schools in Hartlepool.

Niki has been organising the appeal alongside her brother Steven Cotson, 34, with his gym on the town's Darlington Street serving as a collection point.

She described donations as "flying" in the past, with additional storage needed, but this year there have only been about 150 presents donated.

"The previous 12 years have been outstanding and we have arrived to all venues with heaps of gifts to donate," Niki said.

"This year we are doing well getting some interaction but it just doesn't seem to be at the same level."

Previous years have seen thousands of presents donated for the Christmas appeal, says Niki

The 29-year-old said they usually have more donations by "this point" in the year, so the pair are starting to "worry".

"It's disheartening and it makes you feel more sad," she added.

Organisers are still hoping to turn things around ahead of the appeal deadline on December 6.

Niki said that "the support is there" and bigger quantities of previously-used items have been donated this year, but they could not be accepted for health and safety reasons.