The team at ITP Aero in Hucknall has donated more than 350 gifts for children of all ages to this year’s Great Nottinghamshire Toy Appeal.
Dozens of toys were donated by employees, and a collection across the business raised over £1,200 to buy even more gifts for children across the county, who might not otherwise receive a gift this Christmas.
Celebrating its 50th year, the Great Nottinghamshire Toy Appeal takes donations of thousands of toys every year for children across the city and county, from babies to teenagers. Run completely by volunteers, the appeal will this year have helped more than 3,500 children. They work with a number of local agencies, refuges and housing organisations, to ensure that Santa can definitely find the vulnerable children in their care.
This is the second year that ITP Aero UK has taken part in the appeal, but the team in Hucknall have been involved for the past few years, and it has become a cause very close to their hearts.
Ian Williamson, Managing Director for ITP Aero UK, 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 Great Nottinghamshire Toy 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, still works with the Toy Appeal every year. She added: “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!”
