Mansfield Woodhouse community's 'amazing' response to toy appeal

A Nottinghamshire community has rallied to help children who would otherwise go without this Christmas.
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The people of Mansfield Woodhouse and surrounding areas, have provided an “overwhelming” response to an appeal for toys for families in need this Christmas.

Organisers of the toy appeal have been ‘astounded’ at the generosity of residents after an initial target of 250 toys was smashed with an astounding 1,600 toys and gifts being donated.

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The Secret Santa Christmas toy appeal had been organised by Mansfield District Council Yeoman Hill ward Councillor John Coxhead and well known ‘super-nanny’ Anne Callaghan (BEM).

Councillor John Coxhead and Ann CallaghanCouncillor John Coxhead and Ann Callaghan
Councillor John Coxhead and Ann Callaghan

John said: “Well what can we say? To get 1600 plus items is absolutely amazing, it’s just astounding. We had everything from dolls, to lorries, to games, to Tonka toys, it’s all been really decent stuff, some quite expensive things.

"A massive thank you goes out to every person and company that gave gift donations for the Secret Santa we set up in Mansfield Woodhouse after we had identified how many families were struggling to purchase presents this year. The support from the community, has just been overwhelming.”

Anne said: “It has certainly amazed us at the amount of items that has been donated by thoughtful people across Woodhouse and the district overall.

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"We anticipated that we would possibly reach 250 items but can now share with you all that we've handed out over 1600 presents to families experiencing hardship at this unprecedented times.

"Can we say thank you to each and everyone of you who have supported us, you have contributed to making a difference for the families that have received the lovely gifts.”