Evesham Santa appeal set to bring joy to 165 children

An appeal to find Christmas presents for struggling families in Worcestershire has collected enough to help 165 children.

Organiser Kyle Hotchkins managed to help 36 children last year.

That was done with just three weeks' notice, but this year the Santa Saves Christmas appeal began in October, with support from businesses and individual donors.

They either donated money or bought presents via Amazon gift lists.

Mr Hotchkins is set to deliver the gifts in Evesham on 22 and 23 December while dressed as Santa. He said it gave him a good feeling "knowing that nobody goes without at Christmas".

He said he was motivated to help last year after coming into a bit of money and wanting to help out some of those less fortunate.

As well as collecting toys for stockings, he has collected enough food to support 21 families, meaning 85 people will get a full Christmas dinner.

Mr Hotchkins, from Littleton, said 30 families would also get a week's worth of food.

Coordinating the appeal and fitting it around his job had been difficult, he said, adding he did most of it after work and at weekends.

But he said he had been helped by his family, whom he called a team of elves. They were set to accompany him on his gift-drops, he explained.

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