A team of National Lottery winners have taken on some surprising new jobs in the run-up to Christmas.
The lucky champions gathered at the ToyBox Project in Bedwas, Caerphilly, to help prepare presents for disadvantaged children.
The group sorted, packed and wrapped donated toys with Christmas music playing in the background.
They created their own version of Santa’s workshop, preparing gifts for children ranging from newborns to teenagers who might otherwise receive little on Christmas Day.
Alongside the charity’s collection of new and second-hand toys, the lottery winners brought their own donations to beef up ToyBox’s offering this December.
Between wrapping sessions, they spoke with families who benefit from the project’s support throughout the year.
The ToyBox Project receives funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Ceri-Ann Roscoe-Roberts, who won £1million in 2023, was among those volunteering at the charity.
The team of National Lottery winners all chipped in with ToyBox’s charity drive
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NATIONAL LOTTERY
The mother-of-five from Llanberris said: “As a mum of five, and especially before our amazing win, I know Christmas can be a tricky time so when I heard about the project, Paul and I jumped at the chance to help out.”
“We genuinely hope what we have done today helps make Christmas a little brighter for these kids and their families in South Wales,” Ms Roscoe-Roberts added.
“Seeing how much love and effort goes into ToyBox’s work is really inspiring – it reminds you what the true spirit of Christmas is all about.”
She said volunteers told her that demand doubles during the festive period, with the charity anticipating it will send toys to more than 1,500 children.
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PICTURED: Ceri-Ann Roscoe-Roberts, Darren and Gemma Burfitt help out with ToyBox
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NATIONAL LOTTERY
EuroMillions Millionaire Maker winners Darren and Gemma Burfitt from Swansea also joined in with the charity push.
The Burfitts said: “For all children, ours included, Christmas is such a magical time and ToyBox helps keep that magic alive by providing gifts to those children who may have nothing or very little to open on Christmas.
“Not only that, by making sure preloved toys are also gifted they help to keep perfectly good items out of our landfill.
“It’s been fantastic, and humbling, to help out on this project.”
James Morgan from the ToyBox Project said the volunteers’ energy and enthusiasm “really brought the Christmas spirit alive” and hailed their extra support.
“We are a completely volunteer-led project, so we always struggle, especially at this time of year, to get everything done,” he said.
“Having this extra help will really set us up for the Christmas rush and thanks to their help, and additional gifts, many children across South Wales will have a magical surprise to open this Christmas.”
“Anyone who is keen to help us, in any way, would be very welcome as this will enable us to reach even more communities.”
