Saints supporters were overwhelming in their generosity, donating enough toys and gifts to fill 14 Travis Perkins bulk bags at the Aviva Premiership match against Newcastle at the end of November.
These donations were then collated and distributed across the county, changing the Christmases of hundreds of young people in care and in need.
“I cannot thank the Saints supporters enough,” said Jeanette Walsh from Northamptonshire County Council. “Christmas is a tough time for young people who do not have the access to the support or family that many of us take for granted, and the Big Toy Collection made a massive difference.
“We were able to distribute toys and gifts to young people not just in Northampton, but also in Corby, Daventry, Kettering, Wellingborough and Rushden as well, so Saints supporters who donated can know that they helped young people across the entire county.”
Head of community Sian Haynes said that the reaction to the Travis Perkins Big Christmas Toy Collection had been outstanding.
“Saints supporters have always been very generous when it comes to getting behind charity campaigns, but they surpassed all expectations with the Big Toy Collection,” she commented. “It was the first time that we had done anything like this and we did not have any idea as to how many toys and gifts would be donated.
“So to fill enough bulk bags that it took a lorry to take them away was outstanding. And because the Big Toy Collection was about helping young people here in Northamptonshire we know that we have made a difference in our own local community.
“It’s certainly something we should all be proud of.”
Travis Perkins group HR director Carol Kavanagh thanked the club and its supporters for getting behind the Big Toy Collection.
“The first Big Christmas Toy Collection was a huge success in terms of the number of toys and gifts that were donated and how many young people we were able to help over the Festive period,” she said. “It is heartening to know that so many Saints supporters wanted to help people who live in their own communities, and I’d like to thank them – and everyone else involved – for helping make the lives of young people in care and need that little bit better.”
