Volunteers say goodbye as Newquay charity prepares to close.

Monday, 23 December 2024 06:00

A Newquay charity is distributing toys collected from its Christmas appeal for the final time today.

The trustees of DISC Newquay announced in November that the organisation would be closing at the end of the year. At the time, they said the decision to close was not made lightly, but needed to be made as the landscape of charitable giving and need evolves.

Manager Monique Collins announced in October that she would be stepping down from her role of seven years. The charity has been under increased pressure because of rising demand and dwindling donations, making it difficult for the organisation to remain operational.

Today (Monday, 23rd December), volunteers will hand out toys collected through the last-ever Christmas appeal from the charity's base at the Sandy Lodge Hotel. Since its inception, DISC - an acronym for Drop In and Share Centre - has supported people by providing fresh, homecooked meals, fresh produce, tinned items, gas and electricity top-ups, assistance with mobile phone connectivity, school uniform purchases, and supermarket vouchers for struggling families.

In 2023, volunteers were recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest honour a local voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The Sandy Lodge Hotel in Newquay has also served as a community hub, hosting group sessions such as art workshops for blind and partially sighted individuals, family art and craft afternoons, a parent and toddler group, and free sewing sessions.

The final toys collected in this year’s appeal will be distributed at the hotel today as volunteers prepare to say goodbye. The trustees and Manager Monique Collins hope the spirit of DISC will endure. A statement released at the time of the closure announcement read: "We know that the spirit of this organisation will persist in the hearts of those DISC helped, and the volunteers that gave their time. We encourage the community to continue supporting those in need, whether through other local organisations, acts of kindness, or by being the change you want to see."

The final toys collected in the 2024 appeal will be handed out at the DISC session in the Sandy Lodge Hotel between 1-4pm today.

PRESS PLAY to listen DISC Newquay Manager - Monique Collins as she reflects on the final days of the charity...