Barkers Northallerton is concluding its 140th birthday celebrations by spreading the Christmas cheer while raising money for the Friarage Hospital.
Each year the much-loved department store offers its customers a free gift-wrapping service in return for donations for a local charity.
This year the team has paired up with Our Hospitals Charity, the official charity for South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, to raise funds for its local hospital.
A spokesperson for Barkers said: “We are proud to be supporting Our Hospitals Charity this Christmas. As a family business we care about the community, and we know how important our local hospital is to Northallerton.
“We wish Our Hospitals Charity all the success in their projects for next year, together we can bring Christmas joy and happiness.”
Those who opt for the wrapping will have their gifts beautifully wrapped by the team before they donate to Our Hospitals Charity either by card, by phone or with cash.
Barkers added: “Having your gifts wrapped by us not only makes your life easier but it also finishes off your gift and gives the ultimate luxury feel.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their loyalty and generosity over the past 140 years.”
Feeling festive
If you are visiting the children’s department in Barkers high street store on a Saturday in December, you will be lucky enough to meet Father Christmas.
Father Christmas will be giving out treats from his festive grotto to the little ones between 10am and 4pm (10am to 2pm Christmas eve), again all donations will go to Our Hospitals Charity.
Ben Murphy, head of Our Hospitals Charity, thanked Barkers for their continued support as well as their customers who have always given so generously.
He added: “As a valued corporate partner, Barkers has supported us throughout the year with various fundraising events.
“We are so grateful for their support which is helping our local NHS at the Friarage go further.
They say Christmas is the season of good will and it always feels better to give a gift than receive one so pop by Barkers today and help raise money for the hardworking teams and patients at the Friarage.“