Autism support charity Daisy Chain has opened a pop-up shop in Darlington in the run-up to Christmas and it will be packed full of festive bargains.
The charity, which has a Superstore in Stockton, has opened a seasonal store in the town’s Cornmill Shopping Centre.
Daisy Chain works with and supports families affected by autism across the Tees Valley including Darlington families living in the DL postcode.
Many families affected by autism suffer loneliness and isolation, finding it hard to access mainstream activities. Christmas can be a particularly difficult time when there are major changes in routine and both families and adults with autism are surrounded by an idealistic view of the festive season.
Raising funds for support services is vital to ensure Daisy Chain can continue to support families and individuals who feel isolated from mainstream society and the charity hopes the pop-up shop will raise awareness of autism and Daisy Chain as well as fundraising.
Neeraj Sharma, Daisy Chain chief executive, said, ‘This is a very exciting time to be able to expand our retail offering into Darlington while ensuring we continue to raise vital funds necessary to support services for children and adults with autism.
‘This Christmas, Daisy Chain will provide Darlington shoppers with the opportunity to purchase affordable re-loved gifts and presents with the knowledge that their spend will help families and individuals with Autism living within Tees Valley.
‘Currently Daisy Chain supports a number of Darlington families and our future goal is to extend this offering to more families. We are extremely grateful to the Cornmill Shopping Centre for this opportunity and we are looking forward to welcoming shoppers into our store over the coming weeks before Christmas.’
The store opposite WHSmith and neighbour to Next, has seasonal gift items, fancy dress for all those Christmas parties, jewellery, toys, CDS, DVDs and books at bargain prices to help stretch the pound this Christmas.
Opening times are Monday to Wednesday 10am to 4.00pm; Friday and Saturday 10am to 4.00pm. The shop will be closed Thursdays and Sundays. The store will be open until December 23 and will reopen for two days on December 27 and 28.