'Shop and Drop’ appeal as Mahdlo aims to give away 300 pairs of pyjamas and more than 200 hampers this Christmas

Shoppers are being asked to buy a bit extra in the lead up to Christmas to help make it special for young people in deprived areas across our borough.

Mahdlo Youth Zone has launched a Shop and Drop appeal with the aim of providing 200-plus hampers and 300 pairs of pyjamas for children and young people aged eight upwards.

As well as PJs, the town centre-based charity is collecting festive wrapping, bags of sweets, hot chocolate, marshmallows, boxes and packets of biscuits, boxes of chocolates, chocolate bars and coins, selection boxes, crisps, mince pies, and Christmas crackers.

Elizabeth Kershaw, Mahdlo’s Events Marketing Lead, said: “Some areas of Oldham have been recognised as being in the top 5% of the most deprived places in the UK.

“This Christmas, it’s going to be extremely difficult for many families across the borough as they struggle to feed their families, heat their homes and pay their bills.

“We’re asking for the donations to make it extra special for those children who may not experience what many of us would call a ‘typical’ Christmas.”

Contributions are being collected at Mahdlo Youth Zone on Sir Norman Stoller Way, the Skipton Building Society branch in Market Place, Summit Up Climbing and on Saturday (November 23), The Royal George in Greenfield.

The Shop and Drop appeal forms part of a busy Christmas programme for Mahdlo, which is dedicated to supporting young people from all over the borough aged 8 to 19 years, and up to 25 for those with a disability.

One of the first events is a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop with Charlotte, owner of French Blue Florals.

Taking place on Saturday November 30, (4pm – 6pm), it costs £45.

This is followed by a Christmas Fair on Sunday, December 8 between 11am and 3pm, which is open to everyone not just Mahdlo members.

Admission is 50p – the same price as a Mahdlo session.

It will feature Santa’s Grotto amidst a winter wonderland, where children can meet the man himself and receive a selection box for £2 per child.

There will also be craft stalls, some free and some with paid-for activities, raffles and entertainment.

Mahdlo’s invite-only family Christmas dinner is on Sunday, December 15, when over 200 people will gather for a festive meal, a visit from Santa and to play family-friendly games.

“It gives those families a great opportunity to have fun and connect with others, so they can all join together to celebrate Christmas and forget about all the financial pressures the festive season brings,” explained Elizabeth.

Lucy Lees, Mahdlo Youth Zone CEO, added: “Our year-round fundraising is vital for us to keep doing what we’re doing for the young people of Oldham.

“Any contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a positive difference to our members and their families.

"For example, a donation of £5 could pay for a young person’s membership for a year, giving them the chance to come to Mahdlo, make friends and have a hot meal together.”

Other examples of how a donation helps, include:

· £10 could give 20 children free entry to a Mahdlo session.

· £15 could give a young person a hot meal for a week.

For more information about Mahdlo and how you can support, visit the website here

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