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Around 1,500 gifts and 1,000 gift cards have been donated through Caerphilly County Borough Council’s annual Operation Santa appeal.

Each year, the appeal provides gifts for more than 500 children within the borough who have been nominated by their social worker or support organisation.

This includes newborn babies, children and teenagers.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the council asked residents to donate gift cards or vouchers worth up to £10, instead of gifts. Social workers who are in direct contact with the families have been able to use these to buy gifts.

Residents, schools and businesses alike donated the presents to the appeal, which began collecting donations in November.

Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, Fochriw Primary and Bryn Awel Primary were among the schools to donate gifts to the scheme, alongside a host of businesses, including Creditsafe, Link Financial, Norgine, Tesco Ystrad Mynach and more.

Gifts were also given to Gofal, Homestart, Llamau, Action for Children and Ty’r Fesen homeless centre as part of the appeal.

The council’s cabinet also made a £1,070 donation towards the scheme.

Councillor Shayne Cook, council cabinet member for social care, said, “Our Operation Santa Appeal would not be successful or even possible without the kindness and generosity of our residents, schools and local businesses.

“This year has been extremely difficult for everyone and because of that, it was more vital than ever to ensure that children received a gift this Christmas. Thank you to everyone for supporting this worthy cause.”