THE founder of a local toy appeal says achieving charitable status will help ensure local children do not wake up on Christmas morning with no gifts.
Founded by Elaine Hutchings BEM, the initiative has seen more than £400,000 worth of gifts handed over to young people over the past seven years.
But after growing in recent years, the operation has shifted from being run from members’ homes to needing premises to manage the volume of items distributed.
Elaine’s Toy and Gift Appeal has now formally achieved charity status, with seven trustees overseeing the scheme.
Elaine said:
“I have had the pleasure of witnessing the joy of the children and families when they receive the donations and I know what it means to them, but I cannot do what I do without all of the support and there is nothing more wonderful than watching a community come together.
“Christmas can be a very difficult time for some children and if a gift can bring a little bit of happiness then we have achieved our goal.
“I will continue to work tirelessly for those children that need our support.”
