Junior Chamber Newry launches it’s annual Secret Santa campaign this week to give special children in Newry a brighter Christmas.

On Thursday 11th December JCI Newry will be placing Christmas trees in two key shopping locations around Newry’s city centre, and one tree in Warrenpoint.

The trees are decorated with gift cards, each with the first name and age of a local child who is in need of a ‘Secret Santa’ this Christmas. Shoppers are invited to choose a card and buy a gift for the child, returning it to the collection point nearest the tree’s location.

Locations for the trees are The Quay’s Shopping & Leisure Centre (outside Starbucks), Buttercrane Shopping Centre (outside Louis Boyd), and Warrenpoint Credit . Trees will be placed at these locations until Tuesday 23rd December.

Previous charities that have benefited include St Vincent de Paul, Newry Women’s Aid and Social Services as well as a number of smaller local charities.

JCI Newry President Elaine Trainor explains: “We work closely with a number of local organisations to identify children of all ages for whom Christmas may not be that special for various reasons. The response to our last three Secret Santa Appeals has been truly amazing and we’re hopeful that the people of the greater Newry area will once again demonstrate their generosity and kind-heartedness.”

Gifts should be returned to the collection points. The final date to donate your gifts is Tuesday 23rd December 2008. JCI Newry elves will liaise with the local charities in ensuring all gifts are collected and distributed in time to give children a special Christmas.