Christmas gift appeal makes a return for an eighth year

As Christmas is fast approaching, the Fenland Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) are once again appealing for the community’s support in donating gifts to local children in need.

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

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

The appeal will run from tomorrow (12 November), until Wednesday, 10 December. Donations will be accepted at Wisbech Police Station, in Nene Parade, where the yellow phone outside can be used to contact staff.

From Saturday (15 November), donations will also be accepted at Tesco in Hostmoor Avenue, March.

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 gifts such as beauty sets, toys, puzzles, sports equipment, craft sets and books. 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: “Having been involved in the gift appeal since the beginning, I am amazed every year at the way the community come together to pass on some Christmas joy to the children in need.

“While we are grateful for any and all donations, I encourage those wanting to donate to consider buying for the older age groups, especially teenage boys, as we find that we receive less gifts for them.

I would like to thank the neighbourhood teams for continually helping my team to organise this appeal and make sure that children across the county have the chance to open a present on Christmas Day.”

Inspector Michael Basford, from the Fenland NPT, said: “Due to the continued success of this appeal, I am glad that we have been able to continue this for its eighth year.

“My team and I appreciate that times are tough, but we urge anyone who can help to do so, your generosity does not go unnoticed.”

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