Vulnerable families who were staying in temporary accommodation over the festive period received donated gifts from Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.

This is the third year the council has gone ahead with the initiative, in order to spread a little Christmas cheer for families who couldn't spend the day in their own homes. 

The council said the response was "fantastic", with around 400 gifts donated to 125 local families. 

The initiative was organised by the Temporary Accommodation team at the council.  

Gift tags added to a Christmas tree at the main council office in Welwyn Garden City contained basic details – age, gender and the name of the accommodation that person was living in.  

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Some of the gift wrapped donations.Some of the gift wrapped donations. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)

Council staff could take one (or more) tags and buy a gift appropriate to that person, wrapping it up and adding the gift tag back onto it. 

Councillor Fiona Thomson, executive member for housing, said: "It’s an initiative the Temporary Accommodation team started last year and the response by staff has been overwhelming.

"The team delivered the gifts just before Christmas and we’ve had some lovely feedback from families." 

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"Everyone has the right to a good Christmas and it’s heartbreaking when children aren’t able to enjoy the festive season in familiar surroundings.  

"We hope this has gone some way to helping in a difficult time, and we’ll hopefully be doing this for more Christmases to come." 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The councils gifts for vulnerable families.The councils gifts for vulnerable families. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)

Beverly and her daughters were among the families who received donated gifts.  

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She told the Temporary Accommodation team: "I would like to thank you, your team and everyone that contributed to us to make this Christmas special for me and my family.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Chocolates donated to families by the council.Chocolates donated to families by the council. (Image: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council)"We are so moved by the kindness shown to us and other families especially at the time that everyone is struggling.  

"It will be a Christmas my family and I will forever remember and be grateful for."