More than 1,400 children given Christmas goody bags thanks to volunteers

More than 1,400 Christmas goody bags have been handed out to children across the Aber Valley thanks to efforts from a small group of volunteers.

The gifts were handed out by Father Christmas, who toured Abertridwr and Senghenydd earlier this month.

It was the second year ‘Project Santa’ took place in the valley, having started last year with the aim of spreading festive joy amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Volunteer Amy Lee, who organised it alongside Tammy Nelder, Donna Lower and Emma Evans, said: “We set it up last year after seeing a similar thing in Bedwas.

“We were only going to do it for one year, but people wanted us to do it again.”

In total, 924 goody bags were given out to children 16 and under in Abertridwr, with 516 given out in Senghenydd.

Amy said: “The reaction was crazy. One street sticks in my mind – Dan y Meio in Abertridwr. Everyone came out of their house to sing and see Santa.

“We’ve even had children drawing pictures to say thank you to us.”

The volunteers fundraised throughout the year ready for Christmas, including holding a weekly lottery on Facebook.

In the days before Father Christmas’ Aber Valley tour, the volunteers got together to wrap the gifts ready for them to be given out – working 9am to 3pm shifts.

Amy said: “It’s been stressful, but worthwhile. It’s brilliant to put smiles on people’s faces.

“We’re looking to do it all again next year.”