Dunelm staff left “heartbroken” at Christmas gift requests
Kind-hearted customers are donating to the retailer’s ‘Delivering Joy’ appeal but the cost-of-living crisis has revealed some upsetting requests from those in need…
Dunelm, the UK’s leading homewares retailer, were early adopters during the unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. For the past three Christmases they’ve been attempting to make a difference to their local community via their ‘Delivering Joy’ Christmas appeal, which partners with local schools, care homes and refuges to donate to those who are especially in need during the festive season.
It couldn’t be simpler: customers are invited to collect a pre-written tag from the ‘Delivering Joy’ Christmas tree in their local Dunelm store. Each tag indicates which local resident will be receiving a gift. Customers can then buy them a Christmas present, place it in an unsealed gift bag and take it back into the store by Sunday 11th December. The gifts are then delivered in the run-up to Christmas. Dunelm says on their website that they’d “like to spread joy, not DIY jobs, so please check donations and swappables are in ready-to-enjoy condition. And to keep the merriment safe, no electrical items please”.
While children have been asking for chocolate, adults are asking for toiletries. And according to local press reports, Dunelm staff have been left “heartbroken” over some of the basic requests in their Christmas gift appeal. As the North Wales Daily Post reported, “One child asked for 'a teddy to hold in case Santa doesn't come to me'”. While the most requested items – hats, scarves and gloves – have reduced staff to tears. Another “young boy under the age of 10 asked for a ‘hat and a biscuit’ as another young girl asked for a ‘selection box in case Santa doesn't come’.”
Wrote Dunelm staff member Kelly Nichols, of the St Helens store, on social media, "How are we in 2022, and facing this?!” She added, "Help us to Deliver Joy this year to so many people who are facing a Christmas with absolutely nothing. If you'd like to donate, but can't get down to store & collect a tag, I'm happy to send you some via Messenger, simply deliver them to us, at your convenience, before December 11."
There is also an option to donate online too, by making a cash donation to a charity partner via the Dunelm online checkout. And for those with unwanted Christmas decorations? Dunelm is inviting customers to drop them off at a store, where they’ll give them to a local space that would welcome some festive cheer.