Southampton Football Club handed over a donation of toys valuing £10,000 to Southampton City Council’s annual toy appeal as part of the club’s commitment to supporting the local community through the Saints As One initiative.
Club legend and Saints Foundation Ambassador Matt Le Tissier was on hand alongside the club’s Chief Commercial Officer David Thomas to deliver the toys which will be given to young people up to the age of 18 across the city.
The £10,000 donation of presents were bought locally where possible and delivered to the Civic Centre in Southampton using a van that had kindly been donated by Adams Morey to help with the toy appeal.
Southampton City Council’s popular annual appeal sees people donate thousands of toys that are then gifted to young people who are supported by the Council’s children’s services, making sure they have a special present to open on Christmas Day.
Members of the public can still contribute to the appeal by dropping off donations of new toys to the customer services desk at Westquay up until Sunday 20th December.
Southampton Football Club’s Chief Commercial Officer, David Thomas, said: “As a club, we’re committed to supporting our local community and are proud to be able to support Southampton City Council’s toy appeal, which has helped so many young people already.
“It’s important to us that we help make a difference to the lives of people in the city, particularly at a time of year that can be challenging for many, and we hope that our donation can help spread some festive joy for those most in need of it.”
Councillor Christopher Hammond
we've been overwhelmed by the support that residents have shown by stepping up to help one another this year.
leader of southampton city council
Councillor Christopher Hammond, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “This year we’ve been overwhelmed by the support that residents have shown by stepping up to help one another this year.
“For many families, it’s going to be a tough Christmas, but Southampton Football Club’s generous donation will help put a smile on the faces of hundreds of children who might not have received any presents.
“I’d encourage anyone who wants to join in on the festive spirit of giving, they support the appeal and donate a new toy at the Westquay customer services desk by Sunday 20th December.”
Saints As One has already created positive impact since its launch in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, winning the Leaders in Sport Community Award for using the power of sport to bring our local community together.
You can find out more about the latest wave of Saints As One activity the club has undertaken during the recent lockdown here, including club captain James Ward-Prowse reaching out to Saints Foundation’s Senior Saints participants.
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