A HARWICH based charity, helping struggling families and individuals in the north east Essex community, is asking for more volunteers to help this Christmas.

North Essex Support Team, NEST, is looking for both volunteers and donations to help them gift those in need with the Christmas they deserve. 

This Christmas, the charity aims to provide toys and games, a full free larder of Christmas meals, as well as £50 to put towards the family's electric bill to make sure the 200 families supported by the organisation can enjoy a warm home and cook the food provided.

Gazette: Amazing - Les Nicoll and a fellow volunteer collecting gifts for those in needAmazing - Les Nicoll and a fellow volunteer collecting gifts for those in need (Image: Les Nicoll)

Les Nicoll, the founder of the charity, said: "Community is the keystone to this initiative whether they give money, whether they give toys, whether they give time.

"It is time to ask all my wonderful volunteers to come forward and make this happen again this year."

Donation points where the public can gift new toys, games, sweets and treats are spread throughout north east Essex.

The charity kindly asks that no clothes or second hand toys are donated at the bins.

Les adds: "Sadly this new toys only rule has gotten me into lots of trouble but I feel that the very poorest in our community deserve new toys."

Gazette: Gifts - Some of the donations so farGifts - Some of the donations so far (Image: Les Nicoll)

In Harwich, donations can be made at Dovercourt Fire Station, in Allfields, in the garden container by the big red doors or at the reception of SATO UK, in Valley Road.

In Clacton, toys can be given in the garden container inside the rear yard of Clacton Fire Station, in St. John's Road.

The organisation is also looking for volunteers to help buy and deliver presents.

In Colchester, on December 21, at 7.30am, volunteers are being asked to gather at the Hythe's Tesco, in Greenstead Road. 

In Clacton, on December 22, at 7.30am, generous people are being asked to join NEST volunteers at Morrisons in Centenary Way.

In Harwich, on December 23, at 7.30am, charitable individuals are requested to congregate at Morrisons in Iconfield Park, Garland Road.

Gazette: Hero - Les Nicoll buying supplies for families this ChristmasHero - Les Nicoll buying supplies for families this Christmas (Image: Les Nicoll)

Lee adds: "This is once again our opportunity to bring joy and happiness for Christmas day to the very poorest of families in Essex."

For more information go to the NEST Facebook Page or visit their website at nestassist.co.uk.