Fun Farm staff Jason Henton, Codie Coyle, Sally Bright and Sharon Richards with the gifts donated to the appeal.

Hundreds of toys gifted for appeal

Ashwood Homes and the Fun Farm are the latest businesses to back our Give a Gift Appeal.

The Spalding and South Holland Voice has teamed up with Coun Harry Drury to launch the Give A Gift appeal.

The latest donations include £250 from Ashwood Homes which has been used to purchase a fantastic range of gifts, and a selection of Orchard toys and games given by the Fun Farm, Weston.

On top of this generous readers have been leaving gifts at drop-off points across the district.

One couple, who wished not to be named, spent their winter fuel allowance on gifts.

Mr Drury, who founded the Give a Gift campaign in 2011, said: “Sadly, there is an unbelievable number of children in our district who are affected by poverty and the campaign gives the public a chance to buy a toy or gift for a child in their local area and we make sure it reaches them ready for Christmas morning.”

Rachel Mayfield, editor at The Spalding and South Holland Voice, added: “Our readers were so generous last year, we’re delighted to be involved again.

Spalding Voice editor Rachel Mayfield and Ashwood Homes’ sales manager Chloe King with the gifts purchased thanks to the developer’s donation.

“This appeal really does make a massive difference to local families who would otherwise struggle to get their child a gift. It’s heart- warming to think we can all play a part in changing that.”

We’ll be delighted if you decide to support the appeal, which closes at 5pm on Monday, December 16, but ask you please not to gift wrap your present – they need to be assessed to ensure children receive suitable toys to open on December 25.

“We respectfully ask that the gifts are in new or ‘as new’ condition and we are unable to accept cuddly toys, make-up, toiletries or food and perishable items due to health and safety,” said Mr Drury.

“The presents can be of any value to suit your budget, we are however unable to accept money.”

Separately, top quality used cuddly toys carrying the CE mark are sought by the Donate A Cuddle appeal as part of Ella’s Project.

Organiser Mark Le Sage said: “We normally only accept clothes but only until December 14 we will accept donations of good quality cuddly toys to help put a smile on to a child’s face this Christmas.”

If you know of any families in the South Holland or Boston area who might benefit from the campaign, email or write to Rachel in confidence.

Any gifts left over will go to South Holland and Boston Child Services in time for Christmas.

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