On Thursday 23 January 2025, we held an event to celebrate the success of the annual Christmas Toy Appeal at a breakfast gathering hosted at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub in Oldbury.
This year, the appeal reached an incredible milestone, with over 4,000 gifts donated by social value contract partners and local businesses and organisations. These contributions ensured that children and young people from less privileged backgrounds received presents during the festive season.
The event was a chance to recognise the generosity and commitment of the businesses involved, whose donations made a massive difference in bringing joy to families across the borough.
A Morning of celebration
The event opened with breakfast and a warm welcome from our Social Value team. Presentations followed, with highlights including a briefing from Councillor Gill, who had the honour of presenting certificates of appreciation to participating businesses. Representatives from Sandwell Children’s Trust, Foster Friendly Sandwell and the Youth Service also spoke, sharing inspiring updates about their ongoing work to support young people in the community.
Councillor Gill, reflecting on the event, said:
“I was invited by Sandwell Social Values to present certificates signed by myself to local businesses for donating over 4,000 toys to Sandwell Social Values Christmas Toy Appeal for less privileged children and young people on Thursday, 23rd January, at Sandwell Start-Up Hub. I would personally like to thank all businesses who donated to this appeal. It was my honour to present the certificates.”
A record-breaking year
This Christmas Toy Appeal was the most successful yet, with over 4,000 gifts donated. These gifts included toys for children of all ages, as well as items for teenagers such as vouchers, fragrances and winter accessories like hats and scarves.
The donations were collected in time for Sandwell Children’s Trust to distribute them throughout the borough, ensuring that local children and young people experienced the magic of Christmas.
Social value
The Toy Appeal reflects Sandwell Council’s commitment to social value, fostering partnerships that create meaningful benefits for the local community. The appeal is supported by Sandwell’s network of socially responsible businesses, which continue to prioritise giving back.
Thank you
Sandwell Council extends its gratitude to all the businesses who contributed to the appeal and attended the celebration event. Your generosity shows the spirit of community and demonstrates the power of collaboration in making a difference.
Thank you to:
- 5up
- AR Demolition
- GMS Group
- Warrens Hall Riding School
- Bryant Electrical (Midlands) Ltd
- Burcas Ltd
- CBS (Midlands) Ltd
- DeterTech
- EMR Group UK
- Greystone Construction
- Jays Sourcing Group
- K P Marsh Plastering & Interiors Ltd
- Langley UK Ltd
- Lift Engineering Services
- E. Manton Limited
- MCP Property Services Limited
- Olympus Global
- Pattern Fasteners Ltd
- Sure Maintenance Ltd
- Vinci Facilities
- Richards CCTV
- Doocey Group
- Corroy Products Ltd
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