Wolves Foundation’s annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal has proved its biggest yet, with almost 700 presents collected and distributed to children across the community.
Young people from across Wolverhampton who may otherwise not have received much over the festive period have benefited from the appeal, which the Foundation co-ordinate with the support of many other groups and organisations from around the city.
The support from fans, Foundation pack patrons, individuals and other businesses has been fantastic, and colleagues from across the club also donated gifts as part of the appeal, along with Young Wolves.
“This year has been the biggest appeal to date, both in terms of numbers of contributors and physical gifts,” said Ollie Locker, senior community engagement officer with Wolves Foundation.
“This has meant that we’ve been able to donate to a much wider network of charities, services and community groups that all directly support children and families in need.
“Our team distributed approximately 700 gifts and boxes over the Christmas period and to see the reactions first hand from the recipients was really heart warming.Â
“The cost of living of living crisis continues to affect so many families across the city, and Christmas can be a huge pressure point for many, so hopefully the donated toys and gifts can bring some much needed joy and normality for as many households across the city this year.”
Every single show of support has been much appreciated and has made a positive impact on the community this Christmas.
The Foundation are hugely appreciative of the support of Evans Halshaw, particularly Fleet and CV sales manager Tony Mellish, for donating a van which helped deliver so many of the presents. As well as the continuing relationship with the His Church charity, who have once again been a major support for the appeal.
The charities the Foundation engaged with to ensure gifts were being distributed where most needed in the community included the Women & Families Resource Centre/Baby Bank, the Good Shepherd, Refugee and Migrant Centre Wolverhampton, the Hope Community Project, Big Venture Centre, Whitmore Reans Family Hub, Graiseley Family Hub, Nine Elms Centre, Oasis Hub and Together in Penn Fields.
The Shoebox Appeal was just part of the overall Christmas delivery from the Foundation which featured a total of 65 hours of activity engaging 2,082 participants and distributing 1,624 presents.
“It goes without saying that none of this would have been possible without the incredible support that we’ve had from local schools, businesses, sports clubs, staff, and fans,” added Locker.
“It has been a real team effort to help put some smiles on faces of the children of the city this Christmas.”
Donations were received from thanks from so many individuals and organisations, including: His Church, Bilston 1st scout group, Society of Food Hygiene and Technology, Graceful Minds, L&C Refurb Limited, RG Wilbrey, Insurance 4 U, Hariley Solutions, Berriman Eaton, Manor Primary School, Deyncourt Primary School, St Edmunds Catholic Academy, St Bartholomew’s CE MAT, Rethink, Gornal Athletic FC, IPL Schoeller, Voyage Care, Lift Lea Forest School, Lefroy Brooks.
