LOCKDOWN blues did not stop the people of Southampton banding together to make Christmas 2020 brighter for children in care.
As part of Southampton City Council’s annual Toy Appeal in partnership with Westquay, people were asked to donate gifts for children in the city’s care system, with the appeal breaking previous records.
More than 21,660 toys were donated between December 2 and 20 - more than double the 10,600 toys that were donated to the appeal in 2019.
This was achieved despite there being a shorter window for members of the public to donate - with most non-essential retail having only reopened at the beginning of December.
City council leader Cllr Christopher Hammond said: “Despite a difficult and challenging year for so many, the people and businesses of Southampton have outdone themselves again this year and shown their generosity and kindness to children in the city.
“I’d like to thank everyone who supported the appeal and made it possible to bring some festive cheer to children who might have been facing difficult circumstances. A huge thank you as well to Westquay and other partner organisations who helped make this possible.”
Laura Read, general manager, Westquay said: “It was a privilege to work once again with Southampton City Council on this incredible initiative. We know that many more families struggled this Christmas and we’re thrilled that the community donated more generously than ever. We’re proud and pleased that Westquay was able to play a role in helping the community this Christmas and hope these gifts brightened up the Christmas of many children.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here