AN APPEAL which gives out Christmas gifts to families who have fallen on hard times has returned to Pembrokeshire for its eighth year.

Well-known charity Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship has launched their Christmas toy appeal for the eighth year, and is now accepting donations of toys and other gifts for children of all ages from families who would otherwise not be able to afford to buy them.

PATCH’s charity manager Tracy Olin spoke at the launch, describing how PATCH works throughout the year to provide families with food, clothes, kitchen appliances, toiletries, and even small treats that most people would take for granted.

She said: “Tesco have been donating flowers to us to give to people because they cannot go buy flowers – we have had people who cry because they have never received flowers.”

She also spoke about donating pairs of shoes to children whose parents could not afford them.

“People think there is no poverty in Pembrokeshire but when you hear of things like that on our doorstep it is something else.”

An audience of PATCH’s volunteers and supporters gathered for the launch on October 13, including the team from Milford Haven Tesco, MP Stephen Crabb, AMs Eluned Morgan and Joyce Watson, Sara Andrew from the Port of Milford Haven, and town mayor Colin Sharp.

The theme of this year’s toy appeal is families playing together, and the audience heard from Damian Golden, PCC’s Play Sufficiency Officer who said: “Play is an invaluable part of family life. A family who plays together stays together.”

Mayor Colin Sharp also spoke at the launch, and the audience were treated to a special visit from Father Christmas himself, who encouraged people to give what they could to help others enjoy the festive season.

PATCH gave thanks to long-time trustee and supporter Jeni Parsons, who is stepping down from her role as secretary to the trust.

Last year PATCH gave out more than 170 Christmas gift parcels containing four toys each as well as wrapping paper and sticky tape.

Anyone wishing to donate gifts can drop them off at one of PATCH’s centres in Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Saundersfoot or Haverfordwest.

More details can be found on their Facebook page or by contacting Tracy Olin on 01646 699275 or 07775557431