Madison Heights Family Entertainment Centre in Maldon has again teamed up with the charity KidsOut for Christmas, to help give gifts to children whose parents have had to flee their home due to domestic violence.

KidsOut is trying to give these children a much-deserved Christmas via the Giving Tree project.

These brave mums have fled domestic abuse to seek sanctuary in refuge - often leaving with only the clothes on their backs, no money, toiletries or even basic items for their children.

Each year, this affects approximately more than 20,000 children - and there has been an increase in domestic violence during the Covid restrictions.

Many of these children suffer horrific abuse, both mentally and physically. They have not had the innocent childhood that we wish for our own children. Often these children are deprived of food, clothes and toys. The simple things that we take for granted.

KidsOut works to remind these children and thousands of others living with disadvantages what it is like to be children and that it is OK to just have fun.

Just imagine that you are a child that has never received a gift or had a brand-new toy.

We all enjoy seeing our children's faces light up on Christmas morning when they receive their gifts - these poor mums don't get this privilege and it must be heartbreaking not to be able to do this for their children and see their faces in delight on what should be a magical and fun day.

Madison Heights is asking you to open your hearts as a community and help us to help these families have a much-deserved magical Christmas.

All you need to do is pop into Madison Heights, Park Drive, Maldon from Wednesday 1 December to Sunday 12 December and select a gift tag from our Giving Tree, which is situated by Henri's Restaurant in Madison Heights.

Each tag has the child's name, age and the gift they wish to receive for Christmas.

Please return your unwrapped present, with the original KidsOut gift tag from the Giving Tree attached, to the main bar in Madison Heights in person during opening hours or via post.

The gift must be unwrapped so the charity can check the gift and wrap it themselves.

We would also be more than happy to collect donations from any businesses that would like us to purchase presents on their behalf.

Please call 01621 850222 & ask for either Sarah or Lisa who will be only too pleased to help.

On behalf of the team at Madison Heights and KidsOut we thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and to all of those who choose to donate to such a worthy cause.

You can find Madison Heights' website here.