Staff at an aeronautical company have donated more than 350 gifts to this year’s Great Nottinghamshire Toy Appeal.
The workers at ITP Aero in Hucknall donated dozens of toys for appeal, while a collection raised more than £1,200 to buy even more gifts for children across the county.
The appeal has been running for 50 years and collects thousands of toys for children ranging from babies to teenagers. This year 3,500 children, who would otherwise get little or nothing, will benefit thanks to the work it does with local agencies, refuges and housing organisations.
ITP Aero UK managing director Ian Williamson said it was the second year the business had formally taken part in the appeal.
He said: “I am so proud of our teams for collecting and delivering such a huge amount of toys and gifts for vulnerable children and young people.
“In this economic climate, it’s outstanding that we have raised more than double the amount we raised last year.
“It’s a testament to the charitable nature of everyone that works in Hucknall, and the real teamwork that goes into organising our collections and the volunteering support.
“I hope we have managed to raise a few smiles on Christmas morning for those children that might not have otherwise had a present under the tree. Merry Christmas from all at ITP Aero UK.”
The toy appeal has been run by a number of different groups over the years, but has continued to support the children of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire across five decades.
Nick Clark who heads up the appeal, said: “This appeal was started by the wonderful Joyce Whitt in 1972, who identified a need in the local area, and started to work with her church and community to donate gifts and ensure that every child had something to open on Christmas morning.
“The agencies we are working with have said that the number of families they are supporting this year is on a scale they haven’t seen in many years.
“ITP Aero's involvement with the appeal has been vital for us here at Great Notts to both maintain and expand the work we are doing in the local area.
“We welcome and acknowledge their huge and generous commitment to the improvement of the lives of those in our community.”
Joyce Whitt, who is now in her eighties and still works with the appeal, said: “I can’t begin to imagine how many children we have been able to support over the 50 years that we have been running this appeal.
“For me, it wouldn’t be Christmas without it – it keeps me going.”
