Children without Christmas gifts 'breaks my heart'
BBCA woman said the "heart-breaking" idea of children not receiving presents at Christmas is behind a campaign to support struggling families during the festive season.
Laura Evans, 32, from North Petherton, Somerset, started Help Thy Neighbour eight years ago when she was volunteering at a local primary school.
"One of the children told me Father Christmas had never been to him because his family didn't have money to send to him," she said.
The campaign has helped hundreds of families with Christmas gifts.
"Eight years ago, when I asked the boy what he would like if I could arrange it, he said 'maybe just a football or actually some pyjamas because I'm cold at night'," Ms Evans said.
"These are local children… [they] are the future of this town.
"The thought of children going into school and saying what they had for Christmas and someone just sitting there and not even having pyjamas because they're cold at night is heart-breaking. That's why I do it."
Ms Evans is supported by friends and her parents, Christine and Chris Hancock, and works with seven local schools that identify anonymous children in need.
Mr and Mrs Hancock said they are so grateful to their friends - and those people who they do not even know in the community - for donations.
"Presents are donated throughout the year," Mr Hancock added.
The gifts are currently being wrapped by the team, with about 100 disadvantaged children due to receive presents this year.
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