The kindness of strangers

Thank you people of Maidstone!   £10,000 worth of goods were gifted through Maidstone Borough Council and The Mall’s Christmas Donation Hub.

The hub, which is now in its third year, is staffed by volunteers who collect new items to pass onto local charities for their service users. It ran between Monday, 24 November and closed on Sunday, 7 December. The goods have been collected by the charities to wrap and gift them on to some of the most vulnerable in the area.

After opening, donations were down than in previous years, but support from regional media raised awareness of the hub and local people donated in their droves, allowing the final day to end of an incredible high.

Thanks to this and, most importantly, the kindness of the people of Maidstone, a final total of £10,622 worth of goods were donated to local charities to pass directly to their service users.

One of the chosen charities Mid Kent Mind said: “As your local mental health charity in Maidstone, we are delighted that those we support will receive much appreciated gifts from those in our community. We are so grateful to you all for your generosity.”

Another charity, Fusion Maidstone. added: “These donations allow Fusion to support many vulnerable families in the Park Wood community at this special time of year.”

Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, Councillor Stuart Jeffery, who also spent several days volunteering in the hub said: “We asked, and the people of Maidstone answered. Your kindness and generosity will make a real difference to those in need this Christmas.

“I want to thank every single person who donated, from a packet of biscuits to a bundle of children’s toys, every act of kindness matters to someone who might otherwise have been forgotten.

“It was a privilege to work alongside such an amazing team of volunteers who gave up their time to make this happen. Well done and thank you.

“Although the hub is now closed, you can still support these wonderful charities by donating directly and backing their Christmas campaigns. Every gesture counts and helps spread joy where it’s needed most.”

Suzie Brindle, Marketing Manager at The Mall Maidstone, added: “We’re absolutely delighted with the incredible success of this year’s Christmas Donation Hub. What started here at The Mall as a simple idea to bring the community together has grown into something special.

“Thanks to the generosity of local residents, charities, and the Council, we’ve raised over £10,000 in donations to help make Christmas brighter for those who need it most. It’s heart-warming to see such kindness and festive spirit in action, and we couldn’t be prouder to have hosted the hub once again.”

Whilst the hub is now closed, you can still support the chosen charities by donating to their seasonal giving campaigns: 

• Age UK Maidstone
• Blackthorn Trust
• Fusion Healthy Living Centre
• Street Pastors
• Making a Difference to Maidstone (MADM)
• Maidstone Community Support Centre
• Mid Kent Mind
• The Princess Project
• Wishing Hearts
• Trinity Community Centre