Community spirit is definitely alive and well in Aldridge where people have gone above and beyond to support a local estate agents’ Christmas toy appeal for Walsall Manor Hospital’s young patients and young carers.

The appeal was set up by Anchor Estates director Debbie Dyer and she initially thought she might be able to donate a box full of goodies.  But people’s generosity has meant several boxes and bags full of toys have been handed over to the delighted Fundraising team at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

Debbie said the company started a wish list on Facebook to make sure there was a variety of toys for a range of ages.

She said: “The response from our local community has been incredibly humbling – we’ve had people sending us Amazon packages direct with toys and others have even made sure they’ve donated batteries along with some of the toys, knowing how common it is to hear a plea for batteries on Christmas morning!

“With everything that’s going on at the moment and how difficult a year it has been the kindness shown has been fantastic. We’re a community business and we wanted to do something that supported the community. We’re so pleased with how our first appeal has gone.”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising manager at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We were overwhelmed when we saw just how many toys, books and games had been collected as part of Anchor Estates’ appeal. As well as cheering up poorly patients we will also make sure that the young carers that our community services are aware of benefit from the donations too.

“Thank you so much to everyone who has supported this appeal.”