OFTEN it is at times of despair that light shines through.

Although the theft of toys destined to be presented to children spending Christmas at Southampton General Hospital was not great in financial terms, it hit hard by its very nature.

As a community we were disturbed when the news broke yesterday that there were those among us who were low enough to steal from poorly children at this or any other time.

While their crime will be investigated, the result has been not a continued shaking of heads but a raising of hope as so many people have come forward to offer their help or resources to ensure the children’s gifts are not only replaced but several times over.

The generosity has seen a child of nine travel across the county to donate his own toy, pub regulars stage fundraising, a charity concert arranged and individuals spending hundreds of pounds to buy replacement gifts.

Websites dedicated to raising funds for the children have received a tremendous response.

We should never be grateful for those who commit crime, and yet in a strange way the heartless thieves who broke into a children’s hospital ward and made off with their Christmas gifts have illuminated the simple truth that the vast majority of people do care and the spirit of goodwill is still very much alive this Christmas.

The Daily Echo wishes all of its readers and advertisers the very merriest of Christmases.