Two Christmas community projects are running at Erewash Museum this winter with the aim of helping low income families and spreading some festive cheer.
Erewash Museum is encouraging community groups, schools and clubs to create Christmas trees to be displayed in Dalby House. The trees can be traditional or creative, for example a tree could be made from only recycled materials or decorated using handmade baubles. The museum will be accepting trees until Thursday 1 December and will be showcased until the end of the year.
Following the success of previous sustainability projects, the museum is also holding a toy swap and donation initiative. Visitors are welcome to donate new and nearly new toys of any kind at the museum until Saturday 3 December. Staff and volunteers will then sort the gifts ready for the following week when the presents can be collected. A stall will be put up at the museum where residents can select suitable gifts or their young loved ones.
Leader of Erewash Borough Council, Councillor Carol Hart, said:
“Christmas is always a costly, hectic time of year and it is expected to be even more so this year with the cost of living crisis. To help ease some of the pressure, Erewash Museum is hosting two initiatives that support and aim to help bring some joy to our community. The Christmas tree project will give local community organisations the opportunity to help other less fortunate people.
The toy swap is a great way to help low income families surprise their children with gifts this Christmas. I have seen the community come together to support each other many times throughout the years – it’s always very heart-warming and I’m certain this Christmas will be no different.”
Erewash Museum is located a short walk from Ilkeston Market Place. Admission is free for both the house and gardens. For more information visit the Facebook page facebook.com/erewashmuseum, call 0115 907 1141, or email museum@erewash.gov.uk.
