Caerphilly County Borough Council has hailed 2012’s Operation Santa charity appeal a success with more than 2,000 toys donated by local people.
Organised by the council each year, Operation Santa aims to support local children not helped by any other appeal and who have been nominated by social workers who work with families across the county borough. This year it has helped more than 700 children from families working with Llamau, Action for Children, Home-Start and Gofal Cymru
Cllr Harry Andrews, leader of the council, said: “This year’s appeal has been a tremendous success with over 2,000 presents being donated to this great cause. To have received so many wonderful donations at a time of austerity is truly heart-warming and speaks volumes for the generosity of our communities.”
Cllr Robin Woodyatt, cabinet member for social services, added: “So many of our borough’s most disadvantaged children will now receive some festive cheer thanks to the kind hearted people that donated. Thank you to everyone involved for their efforts in this fantastic and worthwhile project.”
Schools from across the county borough also got involved by purchasing items for special hampers for young people who have recently left the care system and may be spending their first Christmas alone.
The hampers, containing little luxuries, toiletries and food, were kindly put together by students at Heolddu and Blackwood Comprehensive Schools
More than 50 volunteers gave up their time on Friday December 7 to wrap and organise the thousands of gifts.
Volunteers from local community groups, Caerphilly Youth Forum and Caerphilly Council staff worked late into the night to ensure all gifts were ready to be delivered over the weekend.