Almost 2,000 gift donations have poured in from generous people across the Caerphilly county borough, making this year’s Operation Santa appeal a huge success.
Over 600 children in Caerphilly county borough council’s care, who are not supported by any other appeal, will benefit from the gifts and look set to have an extra special Christmas this year.
The kind-hearted donations means that toys, games and teddies will be distributed by social services to children across the whole area.
As part of the appeal, the council has also received dozens of food hampers for 16-20 year-olds who have recently left care. These young people very often live alone, cut off from family support and dependent on state benefits.
As these young people are too old to receive toys, the council worked with local schools to prepare food and gift hampers for distribution. Pupils from Heolddu, Pontllanfraith and Blackwood Comprehensive schools have all been involved.
Cllr Phil Bevan, CCBC cabinet member for education, accepted the hampers at Penallta House council offices this week. “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,” he added.
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:
- 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
