Salford residents have donated generously to a Christmas hamper and toy drive at a Boothstown pub
The Royal Oak added food to the appeal this year alongside the Christmas toy collection which it has run for the past three years.
The Boothstown pub was filled with games, books, dolls, soft toys and food care packages, which are passed on to the Salvation Army.
Landlady Karen Baird said: “You can see from the amount of toys that we have we’ve had a great response.”
The pub owner said: “We always fundraise here for all sorts of things, and we just felt like the toy collection was a good one to do.
“Within this current climate, it’s vital that everybody within your community can try and help somebody that’s struggling.”
Karen began collecting toys on November 1 to ensure that there was plenty of time for people to buy and donate good quality gifts for children who are in need.
This year she introduced the Meal in A Hamper asking people to donate non-perishable foods.
She said: “Being a business, I also feel that you have a little bit of responsibility to the community, not to just take from it but to give back. So we are quite strong about fundraising and charity events.”
The Royal Oak has previously held raffles, auctions and sponsored walks to help raise money for the local community.
Karen said: “We managed to fill 30 hampers, plus extra food for the food bank as well as collect over 100 toys and gifts. Each year we donate the toys and now the food to Major Michael West at the Salvation Army covering all areas of Salford.”
Major Michael West, minister of the Salvation Army Swinton, said the show of support for struggling families at this time of year was important.
“These toys say we value these children,” Michael said.
“For me it’s about empowering them.”
He thanked patrons and staff for their generosity.
Only new toys in original packaging were accepted for the collection as both Karen and Michael felt it was important to provide children with something new to enjoy.
Karen said: “We would like to thank all our regular customers and the local people of Boothstown and surrounding areas, for their kind donations of food, money towards food and toys.
“We as a local village community pub couldn’t do this without you, we would also like to thank all of our staff for their help collating all this together.
“From myself Karen Baird, my family and my staff we would like to say a massive thank you and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year. Stay safe!”
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