Kind-hearted residents donate gifts to Santa Appeal

HUNDREDS of youngsters across Bridgend County Borough will be getting a Christmas present thanks to the kindness of residents, businesses, pupils and parishioners who donated to this year’s Santa Appeal.

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

The appeal was also supported by Brynteg Comprehensive School, which raised more than £3,000, Brackla Tabernacle Church, which acted as a collection point, Hafod Y Wennol hospital, Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Horizon Roofing, and the Tesco store in Bridgend.

Mayor of Bridgend County Borough Kenneth Watts, Bridgend County Borough Council leader Huw David, cabinet member for social services and early help Councillor Nicole Burnett, and the council’s corporate director of social services Claire Marchant joined Brynteg Comprehensive School teacher Craig Wade, lead pastor Craig Hopkins, and volunteers at the church as donations began to arrive.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, gifts could only be accepted at the drop-off point at Brackla Tabernacle Church for one day.

Cllr Watts said: “During what has been such a difficult year for so many people, it’s so wonderful to see the community coming together once again in this act of kindness.

“It’s fantastic that so many gifts have been donated to brighten up Christmas Day for vulnerable young people across Bridgend County Borough – thank you to everyone who has contributed.

“Special thanks go to Brackla Tabernacle Church and its volunteers for collecting, sorting and wrapping the presents and also to the pupils of Brynteg Comprehensive School for all of their efforts in raising money for the appeal.”

Pastor Craig Hopkins said: “Our Christmas elves were very busy buying and collecting presents before wrapping them up ready to be distributed to the children.

“As a church, we’re really privileged to be involved in this wonderful cause.

“For me, Christmas is about generosity: a generous God giving the gift of Jesus to the world.

“These children are the most vulnerable people in our society and this is a way of us being generous to them. It’s a great thing to do at Christmas.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated money or presents and also to the volunteers who have given their time to sort and wrap the gifts.”

The Santa Appeal supports children and young people from newborn babies to age 25 years.

The presents have been distributed by social services ready for them to open on Christmas morning.