Toy appeal is a ‘ray of sunshine’
A couple have teamed up with family and friends to donate more than 230 presents to the Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal.
Riley Forson, 24, and James Warwicker, 34, from Horsham, decided they wanted to help others after being ‘so fortunate’, despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Riley, who is soon to start training as a solicitor, said: “This year has been a difficult year for everyone. However, we sat down and thought about how lucky we have been throughout this pandemic.
“After thinking that, we decided to do something to help those who aren’t as fortunate as us.
“My life motto is ‘small ripples of kindness turn into great waves’, but we never expected this kind of outpouring of kindness for strangers.
“We believe it is important to spread love and kindness and to treat others as we would wish to be treated. We just wanted to spread some joy after a tough year as well.”
Riley said the pair contacted friends and family who quickly donated presents to their appeal.
James, who owns a tech firm, said: “It’s just been a ray of sunshine in lockdown.
“It’s given us something positive to focus on during the tough time of lockdown too.”
Riley added: “It started just as a small initiative between James’s company and my legal team.
“Then, it grew into something amazing. Friends and family, friends of friends and family, work colleagues, work colleagues we haven’t worked with personally and neighbours have joined in.
“We have received presents from Singapore, the Philippines, Canada, America, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Ireland, Croatia and across the country.”
She said people’s generosity to strangers shows the goodness that is still in the world.
Riley added that their donations – which were given by 64 people – filled the Salvation Army’s present quarantine room.