A CHARITY wants businesses to get involved in a scheme offering free sacks of presents to underprivileged families at Christmas.

Christian charity Asher Ministries, based in Station Road, Clacton, has run its Blessing Bags scheme for the past two years.

Organisers buy gift bags for youngsters from poor families to make sure no one misses out over the festive season.

This year they want to expand the scheme to help even more youngsters and have appealed for help from local businesses.

The Rev Eamonn Black said: "A lot of people are struggling and we can make a real difference by making sure children get to experience the joy of Christmas.

“This will be our third year and it has already grown so much.

“We want to try to encourage businesses in the town to come together and join in with what we have started.”

The charity hopes business bosses will be able to donate cash to fund gifts, or donate presents which can be wrapped and dished out.

Mr Black added: “It has been very successful so far, but now we want the community to engage with us to develop it further and reach out to even more people.

“It’s a chance for businesses to spread a bit of goodwill and a chance for all of us to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

To contribute to the Blessing Bags appeal, call 01255 222111 or e-mail eamonn@asherim.com