A social welfare charity has received £500 worth of Wilko products after the retail chain opened a new store in Wimbledon last month.

The Wimbledon Guild, a charity which offers a range of services for anyone who works or lives in Merton, including counselling and financial support, was delighted to receive the donation over the busy Christmas Period.

The new Wilko store in Hartfield Road donated a range of items, including products from their Autumn/Winter home range and wrapping paper for Christmas.

Staff at The Wimbledon Guild, who have supported nearly 2,000 people over the past year, twice as many as three years ago, were pleased that the festive themed items helped at recent events, including a gift wrapping service that they provided with Centre court shopping centre in Wimbledon.

Mark Williams, head of communications and fundraising at The Wimbledon Guild said: “All items that Wilko’s donated helped us over Christmas. Items for our Festive Lunches to decorate tables and make our Homefood Café feel festive, wrapping essentials for the gift wrapping service we provided at Centre Court, and most importantly, furniture for our lounge area that provides essential storage and a pleasant area for our customers, many who are socially isolated, to enjoy our wide ranging activities.”

Staff at Wilko’s let the charity choose which products they thought would best help their clients, many who can be lonely over the festive period

But the donation will also help the Guild, who see themselves as “a bit of a community hub” throughout the year.

Wendy Pridmore, chief executive at The Wimbledon Guild said: “We also host over 120 activities a month at our headquarters in Wimbledon and the addition of the sideboard, bookcase and cushions, will spruce up our Guild House lounge.”

Management at Wilko’s were pleased they could help.

Peter Butterworth, former Wilko Wimbledon store manager, who has recently moved to the company’s Head office said: “We were delighted to donate products to Wimbledon Guild. Supporting our local community is important to us, and the staff work extremely hard to provide care for the guests. It is a great feeling to know our donation will make a difference.”