Siblings are game for donating
SISTERS ARE PROVIDING FESTIVE FUN WITH PACKS FOR FAMILIES
CHRISTMAS is the season of goodwill – and these thoughtful sisters have shown the true sense of community spirit.
Sisters Naomi and Ali Harris have donated more than a hundred games to disadvantaged families across the North East.
When Naomi, eight, and Ali, six, found out Children North East was putting together Christmas packs, they asked their parents Sean and Jen if they could help.
The packs are part of the charity’s wider Hope for Christmas appeal which aims to lift the financial burden off families in need this festive season.
As the girls both love playing board games with their family, they have been dedicating their time to ensure other children were able to share the same kind of fun.
Naomi said: “Board games can be really good fun.
“My sister and I just wanted to help other families enjoy these because the Christmas holidays may be a bit boring if children are still in lockdown and some parents may not be able to afford some of the games.”
Naomi and Ali, who live in North Tyneside, put together an Amazon wishlist featuring age-appropriate games and shared it with others.
Ali said: “We picked games we enjoy and we know kids would like.”
From Jenga to Cluedo, Guess Who? to Guess Poo? – the fun family games list has generated an enormous amount of support from families and friends.
With more than a hundred games delivered so far, the girls have had to turn their family living room into a mini distribution centre for parcels.
Now due to their ‘home warehouse’ taking over, the Harris family have had to hold off putting up their Christmas decorations.
Naomi, who has elected herself to be head of operations, said: “The parcels get delivered by Amazon now every day.
“It has been good fun because then my sister and I pile up the games ready for delivering to Children North East.
“My sister helps me to flatten the cardboard ready for recycling and then we make a note of who has donated it so we can thank them.”
Naomi and Ali’s parents are bursting with pride at their daughters’ selfless gesture.
Dad Sean, who is North area director for an education charity said: “The girls have been overwhelmed by the response of families and individuals wanting to make a difference.
Mum Jen added: “We are really proud of what the girls have achieved. A huge thank you to everybody who has taken part.
“Our hope is now other families can enjoy these games and spend quality time together in spite of all of the difficulties this year.”
Leigh Elliott, interim chief executive of Children North East, is amazed by the girls’ generosity.
She said: “It is always so heartwarming to see children helping other young people.
“Naomi and Ali’s efforts are fantastic and these donations will give hundreds of families a real lift.
“Since lockdown began, our charity has distributed more than 3,000 arts and activity packs to children around the region, thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses and funding bodies like Community Foundations; Culture Bridge North East and the National Literacy Trust.”