SAINTS have donated thousands of pounds worth of toys to help children this Christmas.

A total of £10,000 worth of goodies will be donated to young people under the age of 18 ensuring they have a special present to open on Christmas Day.

Southampton Football Club bought the gifts at a toy shop in Hythe where possible as well as through the charity HIS Church.

It's part of a bid to support Southampton City Council’s annual toy appeal, which will see the toys go to children supported by the council’s children’s services.

This year, with more families struggling amidst the cost-of-living crisis, the toy appeal will be extending its support to children and families supported by other council services.

Daily Echo: Sammy Saint with Southampton social worker and Toy Appeal lead Colin McPherson.Sammy Saint with Southampton social worker and Toy Appeal lead Colin McPherson. (Image: Southampton FC)

This is the third year in a row the club has donated toys as part of its commitment to supporting the local community through the Saints As One initiative.

Members of the public can still contribute to the appeal, if they are able to do so, by dropping off donations of new toys at the customer services desk at Westquay until Sunday, December 18.

Greg Baker, director of community for Southampton Football Club and head of Saints Foundation, said: “We are proud to support the Southampton City Council Toy appeal again.

"It’s important to us that we help make a difference to the lives of people in the city.

"Christmas can be a difficult time for many, particularly in the face of a cost-of-living crisis so we hope that this donation can help spread some festive cheer and bring a smile to those most in need."

This year there is also an increased need for presents for children aged 12-18 so a wish list has been created. The club has supplied presents for this.

The wish list includes £10 vouchers for Westquay as well as man bags, gloves compatible with touch screens, rucksacks, and hair dryers.

Other items that could be donated include lava lamps, sports equipment, wireless speakers, makeup, boxing gloves, and hats and gloves.

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