MORE than 600 children throughout Salisbury, who may have otherwise gone without, will have a present to open on Christmas morning thanks to the success of a toy appeal.

This year’s Great Toy Appeal, put together by Shaun and Cathryn Osmond from Ozweld International, saw more than £5,000 raised through cash donations, which was used to purchase toys at Smyth Toy Superstore in Salisbury.

Hundreds of other presents have been donated by individuals and businesses that were dropped off at collection points around the city.

The total value of toys now being distributed is estimated to exceed £10,000.

Around 900 presents are now being distributed to families struggling financially by the Salisbury Pantry and the Old Sarum and Longhedge Pantry, with surplus toys also being distributed by other organisations to families known to them.

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The appeal was launched in mid-November and has smashed its original target of helping 500 children.

The cost-of-living crisis has left many families relying on food banks and pantries to help them get by every week.

“With hundreds of families registered at the two pantries covering Salisbury and Old Sarum and Longhedge, the gifts donated are helping relieve some of the financial pressure,” a spokesperson said.

The team at Old Sarum and Longhedge Pantry has also wrapped all of the gifts donated to them.

They, and a group of wrapping volunteers, gathered at Salisbury FC’s Ray Mac stadium on Sunday (December 15) morning.

Present wrapping at Ray Mac Picture: Salisbury Radio

They made short work of wrapping hundreds of gifts, completing the task in a little over three hours.

Salisbury Radio has helped promote the appeal and, through their advent calendar, raised £2,000 towards the appeal.

Breakfast show presenter Craig Hicks said: “The response has been phenomenal.

“Once again, Salisbury has shown its generosity and community spirit when others struggle in many ways.

“The amount of toys that little people around the area will unwrap because of the toy appeal this Christmas is amazing.

“A huge thank you to Shaun and Cathryn for being the driving force behind this; without them, Christmas would have been a little less magical for so many.”

Cathryn Osmond said: “It’s just mind-blowing what has been achieved in such a short space of time; the number of toys and presents being distributed is amazing.

“We want to thank everyone who has supported the appeal. Individuals, local businesses and other organisations. Amazing!”