AN Easter initiative which brought smiles to children's faces at a Basingstoke nursery has been set up from the heart.

Foresters Financial gave a donation of Easter treats to children who attend KIDS Nursery including Easter packs filled with arts, crafts and Easter treats.

In total the donation was worth £2,000.

Charlotte Powell who volunteers for Foresters as a branch Councillor has lead the initiative because KIDS Nursery has a very special place in her heart. Charlotte’s son Jude, now 14, attended the nursery after a diagnosis of Autism aged just three.

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Charlotte said: “Before Jude attended KIDS he had no eye contact, no speech, he was just existing. I’ll be forever grateful for all that KIDS did for Jude. That’s why it’s great to be able to help even 10 years down the line.”

Members of staff from Foresters joined nursery staff packing and distributing the Easter gifts to families in the area.

Sadly, Charlotte was unwell with Covid but had planned the event.

Jane Woodhouse, who manages the nursery, added: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Foresters and especially Charlotte, for thinking of us. The Easter Hampers and activity packs have been welcomed by all our families and they are so happy to receive them. There are no words for her continued kindness.”

KIDS nursery is well known in the community for providing preschool care for children. A large number of the children they support have additional needs including autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties and speak English as an additional language.

As a result, a lot of families are forced to become carers and income into their homes can be low meaning extra money for Easter treats can be hard to find.

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KIDS said they would like to thank Forester's Financial for their support and community champions at Morrison’s and Tesco in Chineham who also donated 40 Easter eggs which helped the donation go even further.

Charlotte is planning to help KIDS update the nursery garden in September and is on the hunt for help.

If you are a local business and would like to support this project by donating plants, equipment or anything else then please contact Jane Woodhouse at KIDS on 01256 464750.

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