Hardship charity fears festive rush (From Western Telegraph)
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Hardship charity fears festive rush
6:40pm Saturday 20th October 2012 in News
A Pembrokeshire charity says it expects the number of people in need of support this festive season to double, as it launched its annual Christmas Toy Appeal last week.
At Cedar Court in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship (PATCH) launched its third appeal for toys to support families across the county this Christmas.
PATCH co-ordinator Tracy Olin told those at the launch, including MPs Stephen Crabb and Simon Hart, the expected increase in referrals was down to greater awareness of the charity’s work and more people in the county struggling financially.
Amy Picton, a PATCH volunteer for more than three years, said she felt blessed to have been involved with the Toy Appeal since its inception and got great fulfilment from volunteering.
“I hope we can help even more families this Christmas,” she added.
For the first time Pembrokeshire FRAME will be supporting the appeal by providing the transport to deliver toys.
As well as appealing for toys and gifts for all ages, a special request for gifts suitable for teenage boys was made.
Last year more than 320 children across Pembrokeshire received four to five gifts each from the appeal.
A raffle at the launch raised £132 for the toy appeal fund.
