'Such generosity' - 2025 toy and gift drive breaks all records!

We asked - YOU responded. And how...

The CMP Toy and Gift Drive resulted in a mountain of contributions - literally 100's of new presents for children aged 16 and under, all of which will be given to children and young people this Christmas by CMP elves under the command of Senior Santa's Helper, Rachel Austen. And this has all been possible because of YOUR incredible response to the appeal.

The gifts have been donated by the staff of our Members and taken to collection points courtesy of The Village Hotel, Herrington Carmichael and Farnborough Business Park.

Rachel was amazed: 'Such generosity! It's absolutely amazing how kind so many people have been. We thought last year's collection could not be beaten - but I am happy to say I was so wrong!'

Having collected all the toys up in the full-to-bursting CMP sleigh (ok, in Beryl the CMP van) Rachel and Chief Elf, Alison Thomas set to work, getting into the serious business of making everything look even more festive.

Hosted by Herrington Carmichael whose premises stood in for the North Pole this year, over 80 volunteers armed with sticky tape and scissors, many suitably attired in regulation Xmas jumper and Santa hat (in the musical company of Slade and Mariah Carey of course), carefully ensured that each donation was beautifully wrapped and labelled.

Volunteer elves reported for duty from the following companies:

Amazon Filters Aviator BOC Farnborough Airport

Herrington Carmichael HR Dept Morr & Co Shipton Wealth

Signwrite Studios JAE UK Connect Up & Away Detailing

Valiant The Village Hotel Wilcox Day

Having been lovingly wrapped, the gifts were whisked away to brighten the lives of so many young people supported by the following organisations locally:

Spotlight The Grub Hub The Vine Centre Mytchett Community Centre

CSSEF The Prospect Centre youth club West End Centre youth club

Upper Hale Community Centre Frimhurst Life Hedgehogs

Yes, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas thanks to all of you who supported the appeal this year...