Hampshire police help gather toys for children in Southampton
Officers and staff from across Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have donated hundreds of presents to Southampton’s annual Christmas Toy Appeal this year. Chief Constable Scott Chilton joined a team of holiday helpers at the force’s training headquarters in Netley on Friday, December 8. Presents were all loaded onto trucks to make sure they would be under the tree by Christmas morning.
Partnered up and working with Southampton[1] City Council on the toy appeal, every present goes to a child in need this winter to make sure they have a special Christmas. Mr Chilton said: “Every box you see here represents a child who may not have had anything to unwrap on Christmas morning. “It’s incredibly sad that appeals like ours are necessary, but it is incredible to see the generosity from everyone across Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary who has donated this year.
“This is fantastic generosity and shows the kindness of our staff in supporting those most in need. “I just want to thank every single person who has donated. You have gone a long way to giving hundreds of children a better Christmas.”
The City council launched its 35th annual Toy Appeal at Westquay Shopping Centre on Friday, November 17. The donations of new toys and gifts will be distributed to children and young people aged 0-18 years who are supported by Southampton’s Children’s Services. As well as support from Hampshire Constabulary, more than 70 local businesses have pledged their support this year, including Southampton Football[2] Club, Asda and Marlands Shopping Centre.
Councillor Alex Winning, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning at Southampton City Council, added: “The toys and gifts donated by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary will make a huge difference to vulnerable children and young people in Southampton.
“Thank you to everybody who donated.”
References
- ^ Southampton (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ Football (www.dailyecho.co.uk)