JCB’s annual Christmas Toy Appeal is set to deliver a sackful of festive cheer to children in Staffordshire and Wrexham thanks to a record number of gift donations.
The appeal, which got under way in November with the installation of 14 collections points at JCB plants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Wrexham, has culminated in a total of 1,242 gifts being donated – smashing through last year’s total.
Now the gifts are being handed over to the NSPCC, the Stoke-on-Trent Hubb Foundation and Wrexham-based Yellow and Blue charity, for distribution to children at Christmas.
As well as huge support from JCB employees, the GMB Union also donated £1,250 to buy toys, the JCB Academy raised £300 for the purchase of gifts and IT specialists Cap Gemini donated 40 toys.
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “When it comes to supporting a good cause, JCB employees are second to none. Every single one of the gifts donated will make a difference to a child this Christmas and it is heart-warming to see that everyone has given so generously.”
Adam Yates, Chief Operating Officer of the Hubb Foundation, said: “I can’t thank everyone at JCB enough for what they have done. I can say without any doubt that The JCB Christmas Toy Appeal really does make Christmas so much brighter for many hundreds of children in Staffordshire. I saw that for myself last year, which is why we are so grateful for every single gift which is donated.”
Rachael Holdcroft, NSPCC Strategic Service Manager (Together for Childhood, Stoke), said: “I know that this year has been difficult for so many, so it really is incredible to know that even though times are tough, people still care about children and want to do their bit to ensure that all children receive a gift at Christmastime.”
Employees at JCB’s plants in Rocester, Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Hixon, Foston and Wrexham all took part in the appeal, helping beat last year’s donation total of 1,000 gifts.
