Crews from Bath’s fire station, part of Avon Fire & Rescue Service, donated more than 250 toys to local families in time for Christmas.
Bath firefighters with the toys ready to be given to local families | Photo © Avon Fire & Rescue Service
Watch Manager Nigel O’Keeffe, firefighter Paul Johnson and his colleagues on Green Watch collected toys for children who would need them the most.
Ahead of donating the gifts, crews made sure the toys were clean and in good condition before wrapping and labelling them.
Around 115 presents were delivered to the Lighthouse Centre in Bath, which distributed the toys to a number of food banks across the city.
Crews also donated 140 brand-new toys, which were gifted by a local supermarket, to the Royal United Hospital on Christmas Day.
Firefighters, alongside hospital staff, presented presents to children being treated in hospital over the festive period.
Nigel O’Keeffe said: “We were astounded by the response to our Christmas toy collection.
“Despite facing a difficult year, including the effects of the current Cost of Living Crisis, our local community in Bath were extremely generous and donated a huge number of toys in support of those who need them most.
“It was our pleasure to donate the gifts to Bath Foodbank and children at RUH Bath – we hope they’re well enjoyed by all those who received them.
“I’d also like to thank everyone at Bath Station that have been involved in this collection – this tremendous effort couldn’t have been achieved without them.”
Olivia Sladden, Community, Events and Bath Foodbank Facilitator at Genesis Trust Bath, said: “We are so grateful for this donation of lovely children’s toys to support Bath Foodbank, part of Genesis Trust. It will make such a difference in the lives of local individuals and families.”
Crews at Southmead and Weston-Super-Mare also hosted their own Christmas toy collection.
Southmead firefighters donated toys to charities including The Rainbow Trust and Greenway Centre and The Ranch in Southmead while local food banks received donations from Weston-Super-Mare Station. The charities distributed the presents to local families.
