ALMOST 90 families had some of the strain and stress of Christmas money worries lifted from their shoulders after churchgoers played Santa.

More than 800 toys and gifts were collected to be given to the children of people who are struggling financially and cannot afford to buy presents for the big day.

The Gateway Church launched the appeal with the help of local companies, schools and other churches. Families were nominated by head teachers, businesses and other organisations.

“Seeing Swindon come together as a community to help those who are struggling makes all the difference,” said Dawn Prosser, who helped to co-ordinate the toy project.

“It is heart-breaking to see parents going through the stress and worries that this time of the year brings, especially when they just want to give their families a great Christmas.”

More than 230 children will be given presents in the wake of the appeal.

They include youngsters from families who have been helped by the Gateway Furniture project.

Parents were invited to a special event at The Gate, in Havelock Square on Sunday where they were able to choose two gifts for each of their children and to wrap them up ready for Christmas Day. They were also treated to a festive buffet.

Billie Smith, a mum of five who has been helped by the toy appeal, said: “It was a great day that has helped so much.

“Thank you to everyone that helped make my kids day, the toys they have received are amazing.”

Presents, which were aimed at children ranging from babies to teenagers, included everything from Bluetooth headsets and drones to dolls, magic trick sets and keyboard mats.

Two main presents as well as a stocking filler or book and a soft toy were provided for 110 children on the day and the remaining presents will be wrapped and delivered to a further 123 later in the week.

Donors included Orchid Vale Primary School which handed over more than 200 gifts.

Retailers MBROS and Multi Media donated money and 40 presents and churches around the town gave hundreds of toys.