Hundreds of toys given to children in annual event

More than 400 toys have been gifted to families in need as part of a charity Christmas present "pick" event.

The Spring Charity in Northampton has spent six months organising its donation event, where families can come along and pick a gift for their children.

The event saw 418 children receive a present of their choice with an opportunity to use the wrapping station.

Tracey Hamilton, charity manager, said the annual event provided "relief" for some parents.

"We set it up as a shop, so as far as the children are concerned their parents are going to the shop and don't have to pay for it," she said.

"Our volunteers are there with wrapping paper and scissors, bows and everything they need so their children can have a lovely Christmas."

The charity, which offers community services for families to improve their wellbeing and outcomes in life, has been running the present pick shop for three years.

Ms Hamilton said this year's event at the charity's base on Spring Lane, was run like a "military operation" with toys being donated from July by local businesses and members of the community.

The charity event has grown year on year and Ms Hamilton said it was often working families that needed support.

"This time of year is really hard for people where they've been clinging on by their fingernails all year, and then realise they have got the expense of Christmas," she said.

"People always have this sort of generalisation that people on benefits struggle, but actually it's those parents who are just earning the minimum wage, where both parents are working."

Around 12 people volunteer at The Spring Charity, some of whom have been helped by the organisation in the past.

"I'm really grateful to all the people that donate and all the people that volunteer," Ms Hamilton said.

"The joy we get from seeing those happy faces; you can see parents smiling and have got a bit of relief; that's worth its weight in gold."

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