Volunteers from the Mansfield branch of the Samaritans will be in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield, every day until Friday, 23rd December to wrap shoppers’ Christmas gifts in return for a donation to the charity.

Last year, generous shoppers helped to raise more than £2,800 in the run up to Christmas.

“We are delighted to welcome the volunteers from the Samaritans once again,” said Rebekah O’Neill, Four Seasons Shopping Centre manager.

“Not only do they offer a great service to our shoppers to help make Christmas that little bit less stressful, but it also helps them to raise vital funds for such a worthy cause.

“This year the wrappers will be stationed on the West Mall, near Poundland and Time Cafébar. The service is so easy to use, and always proves a big hit with our shoppers.

“We are all hoping that this year’s donations top previous years, helping to fund this hugely important service.”

Every penny raised will go towards Samaritans’ work supporting anyone in distress around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, across the community in Mansfield and district.

Martin Armes, fundraising officer of Mansfield & District Samaritans, said: “It’s always very important that we raise the profile of the Samaritans and the service the charity offers across the local area, but never more so than at Christmas when many people desperately need our support.

“We very much value the opportunity to offer a gift wrapping service at Four Seasons Shopping Centre and would like to extend our thanks to them for their continued support.

“We hope that shoppers will take advantage of the gift wrapping service and pay us a visit in the lead up to Christmas.”

For more information or to contact the Mansfield branch directly go to 1A Grove Street, Mansfield NG18 1EL or call the crisis helpline on 01623 422224.

• The free gift-wrapping service, with suggested donations in aid of Samaritans Mansfield and District, will be in the West Mall of Four Seasons from 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, and from 10.30am to 4pm on Sunday. On Friday 23 December the service will be available from 10am to 2pm.