Fenland Christmas gift appeal returns for seventh year

With just over seven weeks until Christmas, the Fenland Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) are once again asking for the community’s support in donating gifts to local children in need.

Every year, for a variety of reasons, there are children across the county who will wake up on Christmas Day with no presents waiting for them under the tree.

There are charities and teams who work tirelessly to provide these children with a gift to open, but it isn’t always possible without the support of the public.

Inspector Michael Basford, from the Fenland NPT, said: “Due to the continued success and appetite to keep these appeals running, I am pleased to announce that we will be holding our seventh Christmas gift appeal this year.

“This is my first year being involved in the appeal, however I have seen just how generous our communities have been previously, and I have no doubt we can all come together for children in need in the Fenland area once more.”

The appeal will run from Monday, 4 November, until Saturday, 7 December. Donations will be accepted at Tesco in Hostmoor Avenue, March, and Wisbech Police Station, in Nene Parade, where the yellow phone outside can be used to contact staff. Please ensure any donations dropped off at either location are sealed within a carrier bag or a bin bag, but not wrapped.

Like previous years, items can also be donated via online websites. If you wish to donate in this way, please set delivery to Sally Fairbrass at Cambridgeshire County Council, Awdry House, 110 Ramnoth Road, Wisbech, PE13 2JD.

Donations to the appeal can include toys, puzzles, dolls, sports equipment, Lego, books, craft sets, beauty sets. Please note that only new gifts can be accepted, not second-hand items.

The age ranges for donations are:

• 0 to 2 years
• 3 to 5 years
• 6 to 10 years
• 11+ years

Sally Fairbrass, who works for Children’s Social Care in Cambridgeshire, said: “Whilst donations for all age groups are welcomed, we often find that teenagers generally have fewer donations in comparison to the younger age groups.

“I have had the pleasure in helping with the appeal every year, working closely with the neighbourhood teams in making sure that children in need across the county have the chance to open a present on Christmas Day.

“Year after year, my team have been amazed at the generosity of the community through this gift appeal”.

After the closing date, donations will be sorted and passed onto the council’s social workers who will deliver the presents.

Insp Basford added: “Not only does this appeal make the children’s Christmas’ year upon year, but also the parents who often struggle to provide gifts.

“My team and I would like to thank all those who get involved for their continued support, it certainly does not go unnoticed.”