Stamford Park Trust is delighted to announce the successful completion of its 2024 Christmas Gift Appeal, bringing festive cheer to local children and families in need.

The appeal was spearheaded by Astley Sports Village, serving as the central hub for collection and coordination. The process began with direct engagement with local primary schools, where headteachers, family liaison, and safeguarding staff identified families in genuine need of support this Christmas.

Academies from across the Trust came together to make the Christmas Gift Appeal a success, with each academy setting up a collection point and encouraging donations. Staff, students, and families contributed generously, donating toys, games, warm clothing, and other thoughtful gifts. The combined efforts across all schools ensured a steady flow of donations, highlighting the Trust’s shared commitment to supporting families and children in need this Christmas.

Community members came together with incredible generosity, donating brand-new toys, games, clothing, and heartfelt gifts to ensure that no child would miss out on the magic of Christmas. Local businesses also joined the cause, offering financial contributions that made it possible to purchase even more special gifts for children in need.

The result was nothing short of extraordinary: over 550 gifts were lovingly wrapped and delivered, bringing joy to 58 families and lighting up the faces of 102 children across Tameside’s local primary and secondary schools, including Yew Tree Primary, Poplar Street Primary, Staly Hill Infants, and many more. Each gift represented more than just a present—it was a moment of happiness, a spark of hope, and a reminder that the community cares deeply about making a difference during this special time of year.

Once all the gifts were collected, the monumental task of ‘Operation Wrap’ began on Friday night and continued throughout Saturday day, transforming the effort into a truly community-driven mission. Volunteers of all ages gathered with boundless energy, festive spirit, and a shared sense of purpose to wrap and allocate the gifts. From toy cars to board games, books to warm clothing, every gift was thoughtfully matched to meet the needs and wishes of each child.

CEO of Stamford Park Trust, Anton McGrath, commented:

"Stamford Park Trust's Christmas Gift Appeal has been an incredible success this year, showcasing the power of generosity and community spirit. With a remarkable 550 presents donated, 102 children from 58 families will experience the joy of the festive season thanks to the kindness and effort of everyone involved.

The outreach to so many local primary and secondary schools, including Broadbent Fold Primary, Livingstone Primary, and Rayner Stephens High School, highlights the Trust's commitment to supporting its wider community.

A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to making this appeal such a meaningful and impactful initiative—your efforts have truly made a difference! And a huge thank you to Mark Storie, Head of Community, Sports and Leisure at the Trust, for the organisation, wrapping, and delivery of the gifts.

Stamford Park Trust extends heartfelt gratitude to all donors, volunteers, and partners, especially Astley Sports Village, whose dedication and community spirit were instrumental in making this year's appeal a resounding success