In Birmingham, 1,700 families received a record number of toys at Christmas from Birmingham City Mission, with the assistance of dozens of local companies.
Around 4,000 children received the gifts in December via the Birmingham City Mission’s (BCM) annual ToyLink project, with around 70 local companies who, between them, held toy collections, wrapped presents or delivered them to families.
BCM reports between 300 and 400 people volunteered to wrap presents – with a cash value of approximately £130,000 - during the 6-week period of wrapping before Christmas.
A further estimated 350 people from companies volunteered to deliver bags of gifts to Birmingham families. Most were from Jaguar LandRover (which has been involved with ToyLink for several years) which sent 100 vehicles with up to three people in each. Wesleyan, Totality Wealth and a number of local churches also provided vehicles and volunteers.
BCM also said that each year PTV Group donates its delivery route planning software and expertise to the project, optimising routes for delivery around Birmingham.
One mother contacted BCM to express her thanks. She wrote: ‘I was quite emotional when your bags of gifts arrived, it was overwhelming. I have faced some really tough times and you have renewed my faith. My children will be so happy. I hope that one day I can repay your kindness.’
Sleep out
Every February, BCM holds its Sponsored Sleepout to help the homeless and is now recruiting participants for anyone who wants to participate. This year’s Sleepout will take place on Friday 28 February. For further information visit https://www.birminghamcitymission.org.uk/news/sleepout-2025
