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This year the cost-of-living crisis is hitting us all, and so we were amazed at how generous people continued to be this Christmas, giving thousands of pounds, toys, miles and volunteer hours to help those who simply cannot afford food, fuel and the basic essentials of life, never mind Christmas shopping.  

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One mum who received gifts wrote us an email which read,

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‘To say I’m grateful is an understatement. It’s been an extremely difficult year and asking for help as a mother is hard to deal with as you are admitting you cannot provide for your child. I can’t explain how I feel right now. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.’

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BCM’s ToyLink once again was made possible by hundreds of volunteers who gave time, energy and horse power to make sure 3,800 children received gifts.  Without the help of PTV Group’s route planning software, given freely year on year, delivering to 1,500 families around Birmingham before Christmas Day would be a far more complex and time-consuming task. Right through December ToyLink’s ‘ready for delivery’ room was packed with bags in postcode routes - and there were many more along corridors and in every spare office corner!

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Over a third of the deliveries this year were taken on by Jaguar Landrover which sent fleets of Landrovers (59 vehicles in total) manned by drivers throughout December.

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These are just two of the dozens of local businesses and organisations which made ToyLink happen by giving money, toys and time. We have tried to name all of them on the page opposite, but may well have missed some! And though you are not named, just as big a thank you to the countless churches, schools and individuals which powered the project. Here are a few of the comments from some of those amazing ToyLink volunteers...

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‘I am so grateful for the opportunity to help in this way.’

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‘It is a humbling experience.’

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‘Words cannot convey what I feel in being able to do this.’

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‘Helping wrap and send presents to local children is fast becoming as much a part of Christmas as mince pies and holly. It feels great to be a part of this wonderful project.’

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Please pray for the families which received gifts through ToyLink this Christmas, that they would have enough to pay the bills and keep their children safe and secure through the winter and beyond. Pray for all those struggling to make ends meet in this cost-of-living crisis, particularly those who are most vulnerable because of their health, age, refugee status or homelessness.

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