Generous people across Caerphilly County Borough have donated thousands of gifts to a council-run charity Christmas appeal.
This year, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Operation Santa appeal saw more than 3,000 gifts donated by residents, schools, charities, staff and local businesses – a record amount.
The gifts will be going to 800 children and youngsters nominated by Social Services and charities Llamau, Action for Children, Home-Start, Ty’r Fesen and Gofal Cymru.
Children benefiting from the Operation Santa initiative are not supported by any other appeal.
Dedicated volunteers turned out recently to help with the huge task of sorting the gifts and bagging them up in preparation for delivery. Among them were rugby players from the Gwent Dragons, who took a break from training at their base in Ystrad Mynach.
Cllr Gerald Jones, Deputy Leader and Anti-Poverty Champion for Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “Each year I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity of staff, local businesses, schools, charities and residents.
“It was astounding seeing van loads of gifts arrive including bikes, rollerskates, toy kitchens and more and this year they just kept coming.
“I would like to extend my most sincere thanks on behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council to everyone who donated gifts and time to make the 2014 Operation Santa appeal the best one yet.”
The council said a special thanks should go to residents, businesses and organisations who donated to the appeal. These include Zodiac Seats UK Ltd in Cwmbran, General Dynamics in Oakdale, Credit Safe in Caerphilly, Plasyfelin Primary School in Caerphilly, Lewis School Pengam, Morrisons in Caerphilly, Tesco in Risca, Tesco in Ystrad Mynach, Brace’s Bread in Crumlin, Peters Pies in Bedwas and Bon Bon Buddies based in Oakdale.