More than 3,000 presents have been donated by kind-hearted residents and businesses from across Caerphilly County Borough as part of the annual Operation Santa charity appeal.
Caerphilly County Borough Council, which organises the appeal, said 2016 was a record-breaking year with thousands of presents donated to needy children.
The 650 youngsters who will be receiving the gifts were nominated by their social workers and are not supported by any other appeal. Operation Santa was also able to support Llamau, Gofal, Homestart, Action for Children and Ty Fesen this year thanks to the generosity of so many.
Volunteers turned out in large numbers recently to help with the huge task of sorting the gifts and bagging them up in preparation for delivery to the children in time for Christmas.
In addition, young adults who have recently left the care system and will be living independently this Christmas for the first time will receive a hamper containing food items and a few treats to enjoy over the festive period.
Cllr Robin Woodyatt, Cabinet Member responsible for Social Services, said: “Every year we’re blown away by the generosity of our residents, businesses, schools, community organisations and others in supporting this very important appeal.
“I would like to extend a most sincere thanks on behalf of all at Caerphilly County Borough Council to everyone who pledged a gift or made a donation, helping to make the 2016 Operation Santa appeal the biggest and best one yet”.
The council has said that as well as fantastic donations from residents, special thanks must also go to a number of businesses, schools and community organisations for their support.
St Cenydd School, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, Caerphilly-based business Dust and Things and Caerphilly Homes’ various contractors worked tirelessly to put together impressive hampers for the young adults who recently left care. Peter’s Food also generously donated items for inclusion in the festive hampers.
Councillors, Plasyfelin Primary School, Boys of the Brad, ACT Training and Caerffili Lions made very generous donations to the Operation Santa appeal, and businesses including General Dynamics, Creditsafe, DS Smith, Ecolab and Morrisons Bargoed pledged hundreds of gifts to local children. Pupils and parents from Cwrt Rawlin Primary School also pledged numerous items to the popular appeal.
