An appeal for gifts has been launched to help families in Norfolk this Christmas.

Norwich shopping centre Chantry Place is again supporting Alive UK, a local charity which aims to provide emergency support for people in crisis, with a Christmas gifts and treats appeal for local children and their caregivers.

The Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News are also partnering with Alive UK and Chantry Place on the appeal.

Last year the appeal helped over 700 local children to receive a present, who wouldn’t have otherwise received one.

READ MORE: 'I am so NOT doing Christmas!' - Jumpers hope to make dreams come true

People can donate unwrapped gifts, toys or chocolate treats, such as selection boxes, at a collection point on the lower ground floor of Chantry Place, opposite Boots, from now until Sunday, December 17.

Jo Thorne, chair of trustees, and pastor of Alive Church said: "People who donate really are helping give families a magical Christmas and we hope to support hundreds of families again this year.

Norwich Evening News: Chantry Place is supporting Alive UK's Christmas appeal, in association with the EDP and Evening NewsChantry Place is supporting Alive UK's Christmas appeal, in association with the EDP and Evening News (Image: Chantry Place)

"Last year’s appeal was a huge success and we were able to make such an incredible difference to these families."

Alive UK, which has around 50 volunteers and is supported by Alive Church, is also looking for donations of wrapping paper and sticky tape.

READ MORE: 7 of the best Christmas markets to visit in the Norwich area in 2023

All donations of new gifts are welcome for all ages, including babies, toys for children, presents for teenagers, or those who care for them.

Jo Bates, operations manager at Chantry Place, added: “We saw what a difference this appeal made last year to struggling families and we had to do it again this year to spread some joy at this time of year and put some smiles on the faces of families.

"All donations of gifts need to be new items and Alive volunteers deliver the unwrapped gifts and wrapping paper to caregivers of the children so that they can enjoy wrapping the gifts themselves to give to their children.”