Donations of gifts are welcome to distribute more than 7,000 presents in Cardiff due to growing demand
A CHRISTMAS gift appeal delivered 7,000 presents last year to children in Cardiff, but even more are needed this year.
Boomerang is collecting presents to distribute to 21 schools around Cardiff – an increase from 16 schools last year – and there has already been an increased demand.
Six weeks away from Christmas, volunteers already have a list of 300 families needing support from the Give a Gift appeal. Usually, people only come forward a couple of weeks before the big day, said Paul Gwilym, founder of Boomerang.
“It is hard to sum up in a few words, but some families have said [the gifts] saved their Christmas, saved their families and saved their lives,” said Mr Gwilym.
The number of children who will not receive a present on Christmas Day is increasing due to the cost-of-living crisis, according to Emmajayne Skinner, community engagement manager at Boomerang.
The appeal accepts new items for children and teenagers, such as toys, colouring books, family games, toiletries and make-up.
“New items make a child feel special, because it might be the only new thing they ever receive,” said Ms Skinner.
The gift boxes are put together by volunteers in the Pay it Forward Hub. They are put into family packages and contain gifts based on age and gender. These are then delivered back to the school to be collected.
“The amazing community come together to give hope at Christmas,” said Mr Gwilym.
Presents for teenagers often get overlooked and Boomerang often have to use donations to buy the items themselves.
Ms Skinner suggested items like gadgets, toiletries, footballs, books, and art sets would make a real difference to teenagers.
Boomerang is a charity founded by Paul Gwilym in the Templar Parc industrial estate. He was homeless 10 years ago and slept in the units on the industrial estate.
The name of the charity reflects his view that “if you give good things out in life, good things come back to you”.
The charity helps people struggling financially by giving away free items of clothes, toiletries, and furniture to those in need. It also holds weekly events in the hub like boxing and girls’ nights.
The Give a Gift appeal is collecting donations until December 13 and will start delivering them on December 16.
Donations can be given to:
- Boomerang cardiff: Unit 5 Templar Parc, Eastmoors Road, Splott, CF245EW between 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday and 10-1pm on Saturday’s
- PiF Hub: Unit 2 Templar Parc, Eastmoors Road, Splott, CF245EW Monday / Tuesday / Thursday 5-8pm
- You can donate cash at https://www.boomerangcardiff.org.uk/give-a-gift-appeal-2024
