Kids in Richmond Borough, from families in financial need, will still get presents from Santa, thanks to Thames Valley Housing (TVH).
The Twickenham-based Association collected hundreds of toys when three staff members organised a Christmas collection from their colleagues.
Alison Heaslewood, Tenancy Support Officer, TVH, and one of the organisers, said, “I am amazed at the number of toys my colleagues have donated. There are toys for all ages; babies to teenagers; for boys and girls. Many of the toys are brand new and all are in fantastic condition.
The toys were taken to The Salvation Army Centre in Twickenham. Ken Clark, Divisional Envoy, who runs the Centre with his wife, Wendy, said, “We are really grateful to all the staff at TVH for their generosity. The toys will make a real difference to the young people who’ll receive them. In some cases, it may be the only present they get.
Salvation Army volunteers will take the toys to children’s organisations such as the NSPCC and Richmond Borough Council’s family support unit. Some of the toys will go directly to families who have been referred to The Salvation Army.
Alison said, “At a time like Christmas, families who are experiencing financial difficulties can feel very isolated. These donations will help young people and their families, who might otherwise feel left out, enjoy their Christmas.
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for more information about Thames Valley Housing, visit www.tvha.co.uk , phone Rosalind Grozier, Communications Officer, on 0208 607 0886 or email her.
Picture show, from left to right: Ken Clark, Charlotte Ward, TVH, Alison Heaslewood and Commissioner Jo Hodder, Salvation Army.
Notes to Editors
1) Thames Valley Housing is based in Twickenham, South West London and houses a wide range of people who have many different needs. Founded in 1966, the association owns, manages and administers loans for over 14,000 properties in London, Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire and Sussex, and has 679 properties under construction. Thames Valley Housing provides affordable rented homes, shared ownership, market rent, student and key worker accommodation, working with eight NHS Trusts.
2) The Salvation Army is an international organisation at work in 115 countries world-wide. It is a part of the mainstream Christian church and seeks to serve both the social and spiritual needs of all people, irrespective of colour, creed or religious belief.
It was founded in 1865 in East London and has been in Twickenham since 1893, serving the changing needs of the wider community and reaching out in particular to the underprivileged of society`.