Newcastle-based Winn Solicitors is spreading some festive cheer to children across North Tyneside in conjunction with The Bay Food Bank.

Kind hearted staff at the firm – which specialises in road accident claims and personal injury – collected 200 chocolate advent calendars having been inspired by an online campaign (#adventcalendar2014), initiated by the comedian Justin Moorhouse, to ensure every child receives a festive countdown treat this Christmas.

The calendars have been donated to The Bay Foodbank who will be distributing the chocolate treats to local children in time for the traditional daily countdown to Christmas Eve.

Catherine Hopper at Winn Solicitors said;

“Advent calendars are such an important part of festivities and something many children take for granted. It is sad to think of children missing out on such a simple treat. Our staff were really inspired by the #adventcalendar 2014 campaign and wanted to get involved to help make this Christmas a bit more special for the growing number of families who face financial hardship."

The Bay Foodbank is run by volunteers and provides emergency food provision to individuals or families experiencing a financial crisis because of low income, a bereavement, benefit delay, redundancy, unexpected bills or illness.

Jackie Dickinson from The Bay Foodbank added;

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this support. Unfortunately there are far too many people in our region who simply do not have enough money to buy even the basics that they need to eat and for whom an advent calendar is not a priority. Christmas for such families can be a really stressful time but the donation of advent calendars from companies such as Winn Solicitors will go a long way to bring a little bit of festive happiness to so many children and their families.

“We have families who need our support and are always looking for donations of food and furniture. If you want to spread a little festive cheer, please bear us in mind when doing your supermarket shopping or if you are replacing furniture in time for Christmas, there will be a family out there who would love to give your old stuff a new home.”

The Bay Foodbank is urging people to donate advent calendars and other food items in the build-up to the festive season. It has drop-off points in Sainsbury stores in Whitley Bay and Monkseaton, Morrisons in Whitley Bay, Asda in Benton and North Shields, One Stop Shop in North Shields and churches in Whitley Bay and Monkseaton for anybody who would like to donate an advent calendar or other food items.