ONCE again this Christmas many kind-hearted Carmarthenshire residents have been thoughtful enough to think of those in need.

With Carmarthenshire County Council’s annual Toybox Appeal now in full swing, a number of collection sites have received an amazing number of gifts.

There is still time and plenty of space for more donations including toiletries, items of food, and toys.

Donations for this year should be made by December 10, and any donations made after this date will be kept for any emergency donations.

Any residents wishing to donate are asked to keep gifts unwrapped to allow for easier sorting.

Council staff are supported by volunteers to sort, wrap and deliver toys and hampers in the run-up to Christmas.

The donated gifts are distributed to families who unfortunately are unable to provide for their children, for a number of different reasons.

Nia Thomas, who works in the council’s education and children’s services department, attended a service at Tumble’s Capel Bethesda on Sunday where she outlined details of the project and received a number of toys donated by the members of the chapel.

"It was overwhelming to see how generous everyone was,” she said, thanking Rev Gwyn Elfyn Jones, Bethan Williams and everyone at the chapel for their support.

Cllr Mair Stephens, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “We are very thankful to everyone who has gone out of their way to buy a gift, especially during this busy festive season. We are sure that many children will wake up with a lovely surprise on Christmas morning.”

To make a difference to someone less fortunate this Christmas, visit any of the below locations to donate a gift:

Collection Bin Locations: Customer Service Centre, 3 Spilman Street, Carmarthen; County Hall, Carmarthen; Natwest Bank, Carmarthen; Blas Myrddin at Parc Dewi Sant, Building 2, Carmarthen; Block 1, Parc Myrddin, Carmarthen; Cillefwr depot, Carmarthenshire County Council, Johnstown, Carmarthen; Nant y Ci, Carmarthen; Llandeilo Community Education Centre; Tesco Ammanford; Town Hall, Ammanford; Pontyberem Hall; Town Hall, Llanelli; Hub, Llanelli; Cathedral Hygiene, Unit 1, Dragon 24, North Dock, Llanelli; Burns Pet Nutrition, Kidwelly; Jennings Solicitors, Llanelli; Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli; Yr Atom, King Street, Carmarthen; Llanelli Library; Ammanford Library; Carmarthen Library and Llanelli, Carmarthen, Ammanford, Newcastle Emlyn, Llandovery and St. Clears Leisure Centre.