Staff have been left "heart-broken" after children request basic items for Christmas.
As we head into the festive period, retail giant Dunelm has launched its Christmas appeal in a bid to deliver 'joy' this season. But as the cost of living crisis hits, adults and children have been asking for items that some families may take for granted.
As part of the appeal, pre-written tags are on a Christmas tree in the store that shoppers can take home, purchase and return the selected gift to the store before December 11. But the most requested item has reduced staff to tears.
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The most requested item amongst both children and adults were hat, scarves and gloves as well as chocolate for children and toiletries for adults.
On requested tags, representing residents in the community, one young boy under the age of 10 asked for a "hat and a biscuit" as another young girl asked for a "selection box in case Santa doesn't come". A boy under the age of 12 asked for "a teddy to hold in case Santa doesn't come to me."
Adult requests were also similar as one person asked for toiletries and clean socks while another asked for a hat, scarf and some biscuits. A third simply requested a selection box.
Staff member Kelly Nichols, of the Dunelm store in St Helens, is regularly taking to social media to share this year's appeal. Sharing the heart-breaking appeal requests, she wrote: "How are we in 2022, and facing this?!
"Help us to Deliver Joy this year to so many people who are facing a Christmas with absolutely nothing. If you'd like to donate, but can't get down to store & collect a tag, I'm happy to send you some via Messenger, simply deliver them to us, at your convenience, before December 11."
Many people were quick to comment on the post and how "sad" it was to see. But the community support has since come pouring in as another post from Kelly saw her write how she was "completely lost for words at the generosity". She added: "I have just sent out our 200th tag via Messenger, we have the most amazing ladies waiting to receive tags in bulk for their schools and businesses to fulfil AND we're down to single figures on the tree in-store.
"We do have more tags on the way, but if you'd like to help now, please just buy a tin or packet of food from anywhere, and drop it into store."
More information on the appeal and how you can help, visit the store of check out the Facebook Page here.
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