Santa Appeal aims to spread festive joy to vulnerable youngsters

Residents are being urged to help make a child or young person’s Christmas and buy a present for this year’s Santa Appeal.

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Social Care Services department is once again supporting the annual appeal for toys and gifts for those who may not otherwise receive a gift on Christmas morning.

The appeal this year is being supported by Year 9 pupils at Brynteg Comprehensive School, volunteers from Brackla Tabernacle Church, Hafod Y Wennol hospital and the Tesco store in Bridgend.

Residents are being urged to donate a gift or make a donation via Brynteg Comprehensive School’s GoFundMe page to help the schoolchildren purchase presents for the appeal.

The appeal supports children and young people from newborn to age 25 years. Any donated gifts do not need to be wrapped as the team of volunteers from Brackla Tabernacle Church will sort them into appropriate age groups. However, all items need to be new and still in their original packaging.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there are some changes to the appeal this year with gifts only being accepted at the drop-off point at Brackla Tabernacle Church on one day – Friday, 11 December between 9am and 5pm.

Cabinet member for social services and early help Councillor Nicole Burnett: “More children and young people than ever before in Bridgend county borough are facing waking up on Christmas morning without a present.

“If you are able to add an extra gift to your shopping list this year, please consider helping to make a youngster smile over the festive period.”