With the festive season nearly upon us, Caerphilly County Borough Council has launched its annual Christmas appeal.

Operation Santa aims to provide Christmas presents to children in the borough at risk of not receiving presents.

Last year, around 1,500 gifts and 1,000 gift cards were donated through the appeal.

However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the council has said it is unable to accept gift donations, but has asked residents to donate a gift voucher or cash.

The children who would receive presents from the appeal have been nominated by their social worker or support organisation, which will then buy the presents for the children and deliver them in time for Christmas.

Councillor Shayne Cook, the council’s Cabinet Member for Social Care, said: “Like last year, 2021 has been another difficult year for everyone, so we want to ensure that as many children as possible receive a special gift this Christmas.

“Operation Santa is such a worthy cause and is only made possible thanks to the generous donations from residents and businesses.

“On behalf of Santa and Caerphilly County Borough Council, I would like to thank everyone who participates in the appeal for your continued support and I know that Operation Santa 2021 will be just as successful as previous years.”

The council has suggested each donation should be £10.

To make a donation, contact operationsanta@caerphilly.gov.uk or call 01443 866577.

Gift cards can be posted to: Operation Santa, Penallta House, Parc Tredomen, CF82 7PG.

Gift cards can also be posted to the following locations before Friday, November 26:

• Post box at the front of Penallta House, Parc Tredomen, CF82 7PG.
• Caerphilly Leisure Centre, CF83 3SW.
• Newbridge Leisure Centre, NP11 5FE.
• Heolddu Leisure Centre, CF81 9GF.
• Risca Leisure Centre, NP11 6GH.
• Cefn Forest Leisure Centre, NP12 3JX.
• Bedwas Leisure Centre, CF83 8BJ.
• Caerphilly Library, CF83 1JL.
• Bargoed Library, CF81 8QR.
• Risca Library, NP11 6BW.
• YMCA Bargoed, CF81 8JA.
• Apex Estate Agents Bargoed, CF81 8QX.
• Barclays Bank Ystrad Mynach, CF82 7AA.
• Blackwood Miners Institute (BMI), NP12 1AA.
• Cwrt Rawlin Primary School, CF83 1SN.