Caring Council staff, councillors and local people donate thousands of presents for Buckinghamshire’s vulnerable children and families

Charities, Community
Councillors, staff and contributors gather to mark this year’s Christmas present appeal

Hundreds of vulnerable children and young people across the county will receive a Christmas present this year thanks to the generosity of Council staff, councillors, residents and community groups.

Now in its fifth year, Buckinghamshire County Council’s Christmas gift appeal aims to ensure that all local disadvantaged children receive a present over the festive period. The donation appeal was launched at the start of December and since then countless presents have been collected and distributed to vulnerable children and young people by the Council’s social care teams.

Local residents, community groups and businesses have again supported the appeal this year.

Paul Irwin, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transportation and Mark Shaw, Cabinet Member for Transportation, who have overseen the appeal, expressed their delight and gratitude at its continued success.

Paul said: “I never fail to be amazed by the kindness of our residents and Council staff. I would like to thank all those who have donated presents for this year’s appeal. Unfortunately there are many children and young people across the county who won’t receive much this Christmas and so these gifts really do mean an awful lot.”

Mark added: “When you see the huge piles of presents that have been donated, it really does demonstrate just how much our residents and staff care about the young people and children in the local area. It is quite touching.”

Warren Whyte, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services hopes the appeal will continue to grow: “I am so pleased that the Christmas present appeal continues to be incredibly successful year on year. Sadly, there are many people who find Christmas to be a really difficult time. With these gifts we are able to help make vulnerable children and young people feel special. The contribution of Council staff, councillors and residents really can’t be understated – without them none of this would be possible.”