Dr Peter Prinsley, MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, lauds Gatehouse, in Dettingen Way

A town’s MP has lauded a charity which is helping to bring festive cheer to those in need this Christmas.

SuffolkNews’ sister title the Bury Free Press invited Dr Peter Prinsley, Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket’s representative, to visit Gatehouse, based in Dettingen Way, on Friday.

Amanda Bloomfield, the charity’s CEO, explained its work and particularly its Christmas appeal, for which it has teamed up with the Free Press again this year.

Dr Prinsley came equipped with donations for the appeal, namely Christmas puddings, cranberry sauce and stuffing mix, which Gatehouse is in particular need of in the run up to the big day.

You can still donate the items the charity needs for the appeal, listed in the picture below this, to our Kings Road office or direct to Gatehouse itself.

“It’s really inspirational,” he said. “Bury has lots of fantastic charities and this is certainly one of them.

“It’s a crucial service for the people that use it and what is brilliant about it is that it is self-sustaining.

“It’s got an amazing chief executive, a brilliant facility, and a group of workers that have been here for years and years. They’re doing something incredible here, what a wonderful organisation.”

After discussing the charity’s work, Amanda toured Dr Prinsley around the charity’s Dettingen Way base to show him what it does, including the warehouse and homestore, as well introducing him to its long-serving employees and volunteers.

Amanda also showed him the many locations they are housing the already packed hampers ready to be distributed.

She said: “It was great to have Peter here to show him the variety of services we offer and explain how his constituents use these to meet their needs.

“It was good to have a chance to explain the challenges we face and how he can help to improve the future for our charity.”

Amanda added, a week out from the end of the Free Press appeal, it would be good to receive some of the more Christmas-related items, such as chocolates and biscuits, to add to the hampers as well as some new toiletries.

“Helping others at Christmas is extremely satisfying and by providing items to our appeal you help to improve your community,” she said.

She also implored those eligible for Surviving Winter grants to get in touch as Gatehouse is distributing them for the area.

Those not on pension credit and with an individual income of £20,000, or a couple’s on £24,000, can apply.

You can contact the charity on 01284703535.