Two children from Kirkby-in-Ashfield have raised over £600 to buy presents for vulnerable children across Nottinghamshire.
Maxi, aged 12, and Jack, aged six, were determined to spread Christmas joy to children who might otherwise go without this year.
With the help of donations from local residents, their GoFundMe page exceeded their £500 target, enabling them to buy hundreds of presents.
Yesterday evening (Tuesday, 10 December), Maxi and Jack, along with their parents and firefighters from Ashfield Fire Station, went to Smyths Toy Superstore in Mansfield to purchase a range of toys and gifts for those in need this holiday season. They came away from the store with £690.71 worth of toys, as well as £100 worth of selection boxes.
Maxi and Jack’s mum, Kirsty, said: “The boys did something similar a few years ago, but when they heard about Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s toy appeal on the radio, they asked if they could fundraise again.
“Their target was £500, but it has just gone from strength to strength.
“I am so proud of the boys, and I want to say a huge thank you to the firefighters at Ashfield Fire Station for making the whole experience incredible for us all – we loved the visit to the fire station!”
Carl Tolley, firefighter at Ashfield Fire Station, said: “We are extremely grateful to Maxi, Jack, and their parents, as well as everyone who has donated to their page and our toy appeal so far.
“Each year we set out to give presents to children across the county to put a smile on their faces during the festive season – and this year, Ashfield Fire Station wouldn’t have been able to do this without Maxi and Jack.
“We would also like to thank Smyths, as they gave us a 20% discount off the total, meaning even more toys could be purchased.”
Many other people and businesses across Nottinghamshire have also been getting involved with the appeal, including the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) and Leo Hammond, a five-year-old boy from Trowell.
Rebecca Rowson, who works for the OPG and is Leo’s auntie, said: “Leo was upset to hear that some children may not receive presents at Christmas and wanted to help. He has over 50 toys to donate and will be taking them to West Bridgford Fire Station this week.”
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s employee Women’s Network is coordinating the toy appeal for a second year. They said: “We are completely blown away by the generosity again this year, from both our staff and members of the public.
“There’s still a few days left if you want to donate to this year’s toy appeal – please drop off brand-new in-packaging toys to any of our drop-off points before Sunday, 15 December.
“Thank you to everyone who has donated so far – we can’t wait to put smiles on faces across Nottinghamshire nearer to the most magical day of the year.”
If you’d like to get involved, you can drop off your donations to any fire station in Nottinghamshire, as well as any of the following locations:
- Morrisons – Gamston, West Bridgford, NG2 6PS
- Tesco – Hucknall, Ashgate Road, NG15 7UQ
- Asda – Arnold, Front Street, NG5 7ED
- Eclipse Barbers – Chilwell Retail Park, NG9 6DS
- Old Mill Club – Stapleford, Mill Road, NG9 8GD
