JCB toy drive delivering festive cheer to Wrexham families in need this Christmas

An annual toy appeal by a major Wrexham employer is set to deliver a sackful of festive cheer to children in the county borough.

JCB launched its toy collection in November, with 14 collection points installed at its plants in Wrexham, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire.

Thanks to people’s generosity the company saw a record haul of 1,242 toys being donated.

Employees at JCB Transmissions in Wrexham donated scores of gifts to the appeal which have now been handed over to Yellow and Blue, based on Eagles Meadow.

New toys from footballs and teddies to musical instruments and craft sets were donated and will be given to local children whose families are struggling to make ends meet.

In addition, the GMB union raised £600 with a collection on the shop floor to buy even more toys for the appeal.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “When it comes to supporting a good cause, JCB employees are second to none. Every single one of the gifts donated will make a difference to a child this Christmas and it is heart-warming to see that everyone has given so generously.”

Yellow and Blue Volunteer Project Manager Pete Humphreys took delivery of the donation and toys ready for gift-wrapping and distribution by volunteers.

He said: “This year we have been inundated with requests for help for more than 500 local families who are in need.

“We want to make sure every child has reason to smile this Christmas, giving each one a hamper of six toys to open on Christmas morning.

“We cannot thank JCB enough for their support once again.”

JCB Transmissions General Manager Craig Weeks added: “JCB Transmissions staff and the GMB Union members have really taken the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal to heart once more.

“The Yellow and Blue charity does fantastic work in helping so many vulnerable people in our community and it is heart-warming to know that we are helping them to make a real difference this festive season.”