CHRISTMAS will be brighter for at least one child – after a generous grandmother handed over the first gifts to a special appeal.
The Brunel Christmas Gift Appeal aims to get presents to Swindon youngsters who would otherwise not be getting anything during the festive period.
The idea is that people shopping in central Swindon could buy an extra gift and drop it into one of the specially placed donation boxes.
First to make a donation was town centre resident Veronica Murray.
The 77-year-old heard about the Brunel Christmas Gift Appeal when she read about it in the Adver last week.
“I was looking for it because I had a couple of things to give away and spare from my grandchildren’s presents,” she said.
“I think it’s good idea because there are poor children.”
The Adver-backed appeal was launched on Monday at the Brunel Centre.
There GWR presenters Jez and Roo, Adver Editor Dave King and Swindon Mayor councillor Steve Wakefield joined staff from the Brunel Centre to raise the profile of the charity drive.
And Veronica was at the front of the donation queue to hand over a picnic set and a football game.
Purchased gifts can be put in the appeal boxes that can be found in the Brunel Centre and most of its shops or they can be left at the Swindon Advertiser reception, on Victoria Road, or the Legends’ Lounge at Swindon Town Football Club’s County Ground.
Gifts must be brand new, in their original container and not gift wrapped.
Examples include toys, puzzles, books, games, toiletries, fashion and jewellery, but items must not be perishable so no food or drink is allowed.
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