The generosity of the public will make Christmas a much nicer time for those in need as the Give a Gift campaign celebrates another successful year.
Spearheaded by Coun Harry Drury, Give a Gift has passed on donated toys to less fortunate children for the last 11 years.
This year we teamed up with Mark Le Sage, founder of Ella’s Project, to make the appeal even bigger and better.
Through Mark’s partnership with Lord’s Collectables, we were able to accept monetary donations for the first time.
Harry said: “Even after 11 years of doing this, I am absolutely overwhelmed and humbled once again at the huge number of toys donated by the hugely generous community across South Holland.
“I would personally and on behalf of my team, like to thank every single person who has donated and contributed towards what is our most successful year to date.
“We have seen in The Voice newspaper over the past few weeks the incredible demonstration of generosity from businesses and members of the public, without whom there would be children in our local area who would have received little to nothing this Christmas.
“Special thanks must go to The Spalding and South Holland Voice, Mark and each of the campaign partners.
“Without each of these businesses and organisations being involved and helping with the collections and donations, we could not run this campaign.
“It is very much a collective team effort across the whole community.
“Thank you to everyone involved and a very Merry Christmas.”
Rachel Mayfield, editor of the Spalding and South Holland Voice added: “Thank you so much to everyone who donated this year.
“We understand things have been hard for many people with the current cost of living crisis and we’ve been blown away with the support we’ve received.
“Yet again the people of South Holland have shown how generous and kind hearted they are.
“As a mum myself, it breaks my heart to think that some children are facing a Christmas without gifts.
“The difference this appeal makes to so many children across the district is immeasurable and it’s lovely to think how happy they will be to receive something on Christmas Day.”
