Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship’s (PATCH) Christmas Toy Appeal moves onto its next stage today (Wednesday), as the ‘great sort’ gets started.

The fifth toy appeal was launched in late October at the charity’s new headquarters at the Haven’s Head Business Park, Milford Haven. Volunteers will sort and package presents donated to the appeal for the next three days.

Last year the charity gave toys from stocking fillers to family games to more than 500 referred children, aged newborn to 18, across the county.

“The reason why we do the toy appeal is to stop people from getting into debt at Christmas time, whereas our day to day basics bank is to help those in a crisis,” said PATCH co-ordinator, Tracy Olin.

"In 2009 ago a lady came to us saying Christmas was going to be a struggle, it just so happened that NatWest had a few toys left over from its appeal with Radio Pembrokeshire, so the staff there gave us some for this lady and it meant so much to her. That’s why we started the appeal."

Tracy added: “The generosity of the people of Pembrokeshire is what keeps us going from day to day, but it’s even more incredible at the toy appeal.”

The launch was attended by supporters of the appeal, including representatives from The Port of Milford Haven, NatWest, Valero, Tesco, Asda and Radio Pembrokeshire.

Kevin Hobbs, Short Sea director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “PATCH is very important to us. We voted it our charity of the year for 2014.

“The work Tracy and the team do all year around is great, and obviously this Christmas appeal is absolutely fantastic and we are 100% behind it.”