Businesses step in to save Christmas after 'devastating' Walsall van fire destroyed £4k of charity gifts for children

An appeal was launched in early December after a minibus transporting hundreds of gifts for disadvantaged children in Walsall caught fire, leaving around 100 kids aged five to sixteen in danger of receiving nothing for Christmas.

The delivery was part of charity Cash for Kids annual Christmas appeal, and were set to be distributed as part of Walsall Council's Holiday Activity and Food programme.

After the incident, Councillor Stacie Elson, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services at Walsall Council, had led an appeal on behalf of the charity and the council for local businesses to step forward and help, asking the local community to help pull off a "Christmas miracle".

Now, around £4,000 worth of toys and gifts have been donated to replace the items lost in the blaze thanks to the support of the region's businesses.

“We are absolutely blown away at the generosity and support we’ve received from local businesses during this appeal," she said.

"The vehicle fire damaged thousands of pounds of gifts and we’re so pleased to say we’ve recovered all of the gifts we lost in the fire, and more.

"Thank you doesn’t feel enough to those who’ve donated to the cause. By donating, you will have put a smile on a child or young person’s face during the festive period, which as we know is priceless.

"As we’ve received so many donations, we can support even more vulnerable families this Christmas.

"Thank you once again on behalf of everyone at Walsall Council, this appeal has really shown what a fantastic and supportive community we have here in our borough.“

One of the first businesses to respond following a call from Cash for Kids charity manager Charlotte Walker on social media was Willenhall firm Poundland who stepped in to donate several pallets worth of items.

“We were only too happy to spring into action and send our special Christmas truck down to make sure Christmas wasn’t cancelled for the local Walsall kids the charity supports," said Poundland operations manager Greg Peacock.

“Poundland’s proud to be based in Walsall and as a midlands-based business, it’s particularly special to give a helping hand here in our own home.”

The company said an emergency Christmas delivery was made by Poundland driver Paul Fellows and central transport operations manager Greg Peacock, so the gifts could be distributed locally this week.