Gift cards worth £5,650 were donated to help local people who are struggling financially ahead of the holiday period.
As part of its annual festive appeal, Peabody donated vouchers to households nominated by local schools as needing extra support to create a magical Christmas.
Families were offered £50 vouchers for retailers selling food and toys for the festive season. Following requests by teachers, nominated households were also given £25 gift cards for clothing shops offering warm coats and winter shoes for children.
Reaching familiies in need
Rav Singh, Peabody’s Children, Families and Young People’s Assistant in Thamesmead, said: “Christmas is expensive for young families. Even setting aside presents, it’s a long period of time to heat homes and not have school dinners available.
“By working closely with schools across Thamesmead, we’re able to reach families who are most in need so that children don’t miss out on the Christmas magic.”
Rav and other members of the Peabody team distributed 54 food vouchers, 39 toy vouchers and 40 clothing vouchers to the town’s schools on Monday 8 December.
'A better Christmas'
After receiving their gift cards, one primary school parent said: “I'm very grateful for the extra support and this will help to give the children a better Christmas.”
Another parent added: "I do appreciate the gift voucher given to my family. This will go a long way during Christmas."
The gift cards were paid for by Lovell, who are developing the second phase of new homes in South Thamesmead in partnership with Peabody. They have committed to help improve lives for local people while working in the town.
Rav added: “The teachers are so delighted they’ve been able to secure this extra support for pupils they know will benefit most.”
Peabody has donated Christmas vouchers to families in Thamesmead every year since 2020.
A warmer winter
Additionally, Peabody distributed 100 winter warm packs to older and vulnerable Thamesmead residents. The packs includ a hat, gloves, scarve, hot water bottle and fleece to help people facing fuel poverty or illness to fight the colder weather.
One resident said: "Thank you for these bags – really handy to keep warm. Christmas definitely came early."
Winter Warm packs (with hat, gloves, scarf, hot water bottle, fleece) to vulnerable Peabody residents.
Peabody's warm hub at the Moorings Sociable Club is open throughout the winter.