Generous residents across Caerphilly County Borough have donated almost 2,000 gifts to this year’s Operation Santa appeal.
More than 600 children in Caerphilly County Borough Council’s care, who are not supported by any other appeal, will be given the gifts this Christmas.
Social services will distribute the many toys, games and teddies that were donated to children across the county borough.
As part of the annual appeal for toy donations, the council also receives dozens of food hampers for the 16 to 20 year-olds who have recently left care.
The council worked with local schools to prepare the food and gift hampers for distribution. Pupils from Heolddu, Pontllanfraith and Blackwood Comprehensive schools have all been involved.
Councillor Phil Bevan, cabinet member for education, accepted the hampers at Penallta House council offices last week.
He said: “The hampers, along with the amazing number of gift pledges received from local residents, means that hundreds of children and young people will have a very happy Christmas this year.
“I would like to thank everyone for their kind-hearted donations to the Operation Santa appeal. The success of this scheme depends on the generosity and hard work of others and we are delighted with this year’s response.”
A number of venues across the county borough kindly agreed to offer a place where local people could drop off their gifts. The council would like to thank the following:
- Harper and Wallis, Bargoed.
- Blackwood Library.
- Barclays Bank, Ystrad Mynach.
- Penallta House, Ystrad Mynach.
- Lloyds TSB Bank, Rhymney.
- Visit Caerphilly Centre.
- Caerphilly Garden Centre.
- Risca Family Centre.