THANKS has been given from two local charities after bundles of toys were donated as part of this year’s Herald’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

Toys, including teddies, Lego, games, books, sensory toys, craft materials, cars, dolls, musical instruments, puzzles and more, were given to Treloar School and College in Alton, which provides education and care to young people with physical disabilities, and Home-Start Waverley, a charity that offers support to families who have at least one child under the age of five.

Sacks full of toys and books were delivered to children aged from nought to 16 years old.

A spokesperson for Treloar’s said they were “bowled over” by readers’ generosity and students “loved all their new presents”, which “filled three large tables”.

They added: “As a charity, we can’t afford to provide our students with Christmas presents, but thanks to the Herald we were able to do just that and it made such a difference and really lifted our end of year festivities.

“Thank you again to everyone who donated a gift – it was very generous and made a lot of young people very happy this Christmas.”

Tracy, along with students in 11P, said: “Just a short letter to say a big thank you to you all for the lovely Christmas presents you have collected for the school.

“Such a lot of fantastic gifts, the students here very much appreciate your kindness and the wide assortment of toys. It was very kind of you and all your readers to think of us here at Treloar School.”

Jenny Steele continued: “The primary class would like to extend our thanks to the generosity of the people who so kindly donated Christmas presents for our students.”

She added that the presents were “wrapped up and sent home with a label saying who they are from”.

Home-Start in Waverley were also “delighted to have been chosen as part of the Herald’s Christmas Toy Appeal,” according to a spokesperson.

The charity supports families who are “going through a vulnerable time in their lives, which can often be exacerbated at Christmas time when we are surrounded by images of the perfect happy family and with the added expense that Christmas time can bring”.

Dawn Murphy, from Home-Start in Waverley, said: “The generosity of the Herald readers is amazing.

“We had so many beautiful toys delivered, they really do make a child’s day, bringing fun and laughter and making memories that last a life time.”

Home-Start coordinators and volunteers chose a suitable gift and gave them to the children who need them the most, “delighting the families and bringing huge smiles and laughter to the children,” the spokesperson added.

They said: “The children look forward to the volunteers visits and will often play with the gifts while they are there. A heart felt thank you to everyone who donated, these gifts will be loved and cherished for years.”

Anybody interested in becoming a volunteer should contact 01252 737453 or email info@homestartwaver ley.org for further information. The next Volunteer Preparation Training Course begins in September 2019.

To find out more about Treloar’s, go to treloar.org.uk.