Caring staff from Leicestershire-based gas network company Cadent turned Santa this year to bring joy to youngsters across the county.
Employees at the company’s offices in Hinckley and Leicester dug deep to buy 300 new toys so that children whose families are facing hardship will have a gift to open on Christmas morning.
The toys have been handed over to local charity ‘Toys on the Table’, which will distribute the presents to hard-up families across Leicester and Leicestershire. Their annual appeal aims to provide thousands of gifts so tots and teenagers alike can share in the festive season.
Not only did Cadent staff donate the toys, but a willing band of volunteers got handy with the wrapping paper to make sure the gifts were all ready to go under the tree. More than 26,500 children and young people in Leicestershire live in poverty. For many, a toy or a gift is a luxury their struggling families cannot afford.
Cadent’s Sally Clay, who organised the collection, said: “Christmas is a special time, particularly for children. We’re proud to support a charity which ensures all youngsters can share in the festive fun and that families don’t miss out. “As a company we believe passionately in supporting our local communities. The response from our staff has been amazing this year and we know that their generosity will be really appreciated.”

Toys on the Table Trustee Bill Bowley said: “The generosity of people towards children who would otherwise get nothing at Christmas is marvellous. It’s people like the staff at Cadent and the other businesses, that are collecting toys, who make a real difference to those children.”