Volunteers spread Christmas cheer
Airport volunteers spread festive cheer in the run up to Christmas
Stansted Airport staff have been spreading festive cheer and supporting good causes in the local community in the run-up to Christmas.
As part of the team's December activities, employees have been volunteering at local foodbanks and delivering gifts to children in Uttlesford, East Hertfordshire and Harlow.
Community Engagement Manager Daniel Burford coordinated the Christmas present appeal, which collected 700 gifts and essentials. He said:
“We began collecting the gifts in November, and colleagues came together over two days to wrap over 700 gifts. Over recent days our teams have been delivering the gifts to Holy Trinity Night Shelter and Exchange in Bishops Stortford, Butterfly Effect and Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Takeley Community Café and TouchPoint in Stansted Mountfichet. Stansted staff have once again given up their time to make a difference in the community by supporting local good causes and spreading joy to families.”
A reverse advent calendar campaign was also organised by Stansted's community team, which collected 20 boxes of items for Uttlesford food banks.
In place of receiving chocolate from a calendar, they have been collecting food, toiletries, baby supplies, and household essentials.
The collection was coordinated by Airport Security Advisor Brenda Watts from Braintree, who said:
“The reverse advent calendar seemed the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit and support those in need in the local community. Foodbanks in our local area are incredible and make such a difference, so this Christmas I wanted to lend a helping hand."
The airport has also sponsored a performance of Cinderella pantomime at South Mill Arts in Bishops Stortford and donated 180 tickets to charities and families.