Hundreds of children in Teesside are set to feel the festive joy after a life-size toy train full of presents from Amazon delivers them to The Junction Multibank in Middlesbrough.
The Junction Multibank, which launched just last week as part of a UK-wide initiative co-founded by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Amazon, received hundreds of toys from Amazon’s highly anticipated Top Ten Toys list.
The donations aim to help families struggling with the cost of living crisis, particularly in a region where child poverty rates are amongst the highest in the country.
Beth Major, CEO of The Junction, said: "Christmas should be a joyful time of year for children and families, but with more than 30 per cent of children across Tees Valley living in poverty, it can be a time of added financial and emotional pressure.
"The Junction Multibank provides essential goods and support to families in need, and thanks to the generosity of Amazon this Christmas, we are able to offer families new and exciting toys to help them enjoy making magical memories at such a special time of year."
These will be distributed to families across Teesside through local social workers, schools, and community groups in time for the holidays.
The Junction Multibank opened its doors on November 12, becoming the first Multibank in the North East and the fifth in the UK.
The community hub operates from a 12,000 sq ft warehouse, stocked with surplus products donated by businesses, including Amazon.
These goods – ranging from clothing and toiletries to cleaning products and toys – will be distributed to 75,000 families over the next year, supporting some of the region’s most vulnerable households.
The initiative, co-founded by Gordon Brown, builds on the success of similar hubs in Scotland, Greater Manchester, Wales, and London.
Collectively, Multibanks have donated over five million goods to help more than 500,000 families across the UK.
Middlesbrough, where nearly half (46.6 per cent) of children live in poverty according to the End Childhood Poverty coalition, was a natural choice for the new hub.
The Amazon toy train has made stops at all five Multibank locations, delivering festive donations to families in need across the UK.
The train’s arrival in Middlesbrough was a highlight of The Junction’s first week of operations, bringing excitement and joy to the local community.
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Gordon Brown, who attended The Junction Multibanks launch, emphasised the broader mission of the Multibank initiative.
He previously said: "This is about ensuring that families across Teesside, particularly children, don’t miss out during the festive season. We’re giving people the opportunity to live with dignity and hope, providing not just the basics, but items that can make a difference in families’ lives."
As the holiday season approaches, The Junction Multibank, supported by Amazon’s generosity and the commitment of local leaders, is set to make a meaningful difference for thousands of families, ensuring that the spirit of Christmas shines bright in Teesside.
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