Staff, students and governors at Milton Keynes College have spread Christmas cheer in the local community by giving Christmas gift bags to young people spending the festive period at YMCA Milton Keynes.

Staff, students and governors were encouraged to pledge to fill the gift bags – either individually or in groups – with festive decorations or other items, toiletries, chocolates and special Christmas treats – and then return them ready to be taken over to the YMCA by the College’s Inclusive Learning students.

The College Group have been working with YMCA Milton Keynes since February 2025 as their charity partner, supporting the work they do to support, engage, develop and inspire young people to reach their potential. This support includes fundraising more than £1,800 as part of CEO Sleepout MK and the College Group’s College in the Community Day in April 2025, involving residents in the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire’s Justice Dinner, and collaborating on activities for White Ribbon Day (opposing violence against women and girls).

Rebecca Myrie, Head of Community Engagement at MK College Group, said: “Milton Keynes is our home, and we’re committed to doing all we can to build Fairer Futures for our students and our wider communities. The work of YMCA Milton Keynes fits so well with what we do at the College Group that it made complete sense for us to work together.

“When we heard that there will be young people staying at the YMCA over the festive period, we knew we wanted to do something to spread Christmas cheer to those for whom this time of year might not always be as exciting as it should. Our colleagues and learners have been so enthusiastic about getting involved in this project, it’s been wonderful seeing all of the gift bags coming in, and very heartwarming to see our Inclusive Learning students handing over the bags to the YMCA residents and staff today. We hope that the gift bags help the YMCA’s residents to know that they’re seen and supported at this special time of year.”

Naomie Conway, Head of Communications and Campaigns at YMCA Milton Keynes said: “Although Christmas is a happy time for many, it can also highlight the real struggles some people face. We are so grateful to Milton Keynes College for their lovely gift bags for our residents this Christmas. Their contribution will make a real difference to people in need.”

Alex, YMCA resident, said: “Thank you, Milton Keynes College, for the gift bag. I know Christmas isn’t always a happy time for some people here so it’s a really nice gesture.”

To find out more about YMCA Milton Keynes, visit Home – YMCA Milton Keynes

To find out more about Milton Keynes College Group’s support for the community, visit Community – MK College

Image caption:  Rebecca Myrie (Head of Community Engagement at Milton Keynes College), Inclusive Learning students Ellisha, Josh, and Jacob and Hollie-Jasmine Wills (Fundraising and Partnerships Officer, YMCA Milton Keynes).