Residents across the region have been thanked for their generosity towards Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s annual Christmas toy collection, which supported families in need.
The toys donated to Bath’s fire station | Photo © Avon Fire & Rescue Service
Firefighters and staff from Bath, Avonmouth, Southmead, Weston-super-Mare, and the Business Fire Safety Team at Patchway fire station collected new and nearly new toys and delivered them to local charities.
The gifts were distributed to less fortunate families, making the festive season brighter for many.
The initiative was supported by considerable generosity from the public, local businesses, and anonymous donors.
At Bath’s fire station, staff were amazed by an anonymous donation of £7,000 worth of toys, which were distributed through local food banks and community centres.
At Avonmouth Fire Station, they donated their collected toys to the Salvation Army in Pill.
The Business Fire Safety Team at Patchway delivered donations to St Chads Church for the North Bristol and South Gloucestershire Foodbank, thanks to contributions from businesses such as Prospero Teaching, Asda, and Marks & Spencer. A notable £500 donation of toys came from Joe Sims, host of BBC Radio Bristol’s breakfast show.
Southmead Fire Station worked with the Greenway Centre to ensure toys reached families in need before Christmas.
Weston-super-Mare Fire Station, with the support of Winscombe Fire Station, collected toys for Weston-super-Mare Foodbank, benefiting families not only during Christmas but throughout 2025.
Paul Johnson, a firefighter from Bath’s fire station, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the kindness and generosity of our community.
“These donations make a real difference to families in need, and we are honoured to help facilitate that.”
Stephen Reading, from the Business Fire Safety Team, added: “The support from local businesses and individuals has been truly humbling.
“We’ve heard first-hand how these gifts are already helping families, and it’s a privilege to be part of this effort.”
