Metrocentre joins forces with Citizens Advice Gateshead for its Winter Warmer campaign

The Metrocentre has joined forces with Citizens Advice Gateshead to help those who need to stay warm throughout the winter.

As part of Citizens Advice Gateshead's Winter Warmer campaign, a donation box has been placed outside of Marks & Spencer on the ground floor of the Green Mall.

The donation box will remain in place until the end of March 2024, with visitors to the shopping centre encouraged to donate items that will help Citizens Advice Gateshead.

The organisation will then use the items to create 'Winter Warmer' packs and give them out to those in need.

Gavin Prior, centre director for Metrocentre, has expressed his pride in the shopping centre supporting the Citizens Advice campaign.

He said: "We’re honoured to be supporting Citizens Advice with the Winter Warmer campaign this year, helping them to provide warm clothing and hot drinks to those in need. 

"We’re encouraging Metrocentre staff and customers to come together and help make sure everyone in Gateshead is warm, safe, and comfortable this winter.

"Whether your donation is big or small, we promise it will make a big difference”.

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Judith Wood-Archer, from Citizens Advice Gateshead, has thanked the Metrocentre for their support to this year's Winter Warmer campaign.

She added: "The cost-of-living crisis has hit our communities hard. This is a chance to come together in support of the people of Gateshead, to show them that we’re here for them through life’s ups and downs, without judgement.

"We’re extremely grateful to the Metrocentre for supporting our appeal and to all of those who donate any items to make a winter a little more bearable for those that need it most.

"Our heartfelt thanks go out to you all.”

Citizens Advice Gateshead is looking for donations of the following items:

• Blankets.
• Hand warmers.
• Snoods.
• Warm fleeces.
• Winter hats.
• Scarves.
• Jars of hot chocolate.
• Mugs.
• Blanket hoodies.
• Supermarket gift cards.
• Hot water bottles.

Members of the public are asked to only donate non-perishable food goods or new and unused items.