A campaign which allowed people to fill a mug with a number of festive items has 'exceeded all expectations' and 'captured the imagination of the people in the town', its organisers have said.
Organiser Jane Tighe said she was 'overwhelmed' at the support the campaign run by Access Community Trust – which has projects in Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Thetford – has received.
About 200 mugs were donated by Benjamin Britten Music Academy alone, with other schools and members of the public all contributing to the large collection.
Many of the items contained in the mugs included sweets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, woolly socks and other small novelty items.
The mugs will be distributed to the people the trust supports – all in time for Christmas.
It is hoped that a mug will be given to each person who attends the annual Salvation Army Christmas dinner.
'The campaign has exceeded all expectations and personally I am overwhelmed and thrilled to bits,' said Ms Tighe, who is the community events and fund-raising officer for Access.
'The most popular things have been sweets, but a lot of the children must have a good conscience as there are a lot with a toothbrush and toothpaste in as well.
'It has really captured the imagination of the people in the town and everybody who lives in the area who is homeless, vulnerable, or alone will be getting a Christmas gift,' she added.
'We can extend a hand of friendship to them.'
Along with completing recent street collections, the trust is also planning a sponsored Lands End to John o' Groats venture in the new year, visiting homeless shelters along the way.
About 200 mugs were donated by schoolchildren at Benjamin Britten Music Academy, with nearly half coming from the year 10 cohort.
After Jane Tighe had spoken about the Fill a Mug appeal in an assembly at the school, within a fortnight more than 100 mugs had been donated.
The gifts contain items like toothbrushes, torches, snacks, warm socks and other things which the pupils chose to donate.
Kim Palmer, the head of Year 10, said: 'I did not expect to have so many donations, but then again our school are so good at giving.
'I am very proud of them all,' she added.
What do you think about the campaign? Email joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk
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