A CHRISTMAS collection to offer gifts to hundreds of Chard people in need has been hailed a huge success – with donations coming in from across the county.

Each year, the Chard Lord’s Larder launches a campaign to provide gifts to families in need.

And this year, organisers said they had been “touched” at the amount of gifts received.

Martyna Lee, founder and coordinator of the Chard Christmas Present Appeal, said: “On behalf of myself (Chard Lord’s Larder), Tessa and Megan from the Community Hub, Jenny from South Chard Church, Tom Poole (Grubworkz Manufacturing) and Gary Waddon (Waddon Construction Ltd), I want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal, along with a great organisational support with picking and packing from Hannah Bradbury, Jen Waddon, Gabbie King and Amanda Bower.

“Every year, this appeal reminds us of the strength, compassion, and unity within our community – and this year was no exception.

“Your kindness, generosity, and unwavering support have been truly overwhelming,” she went on. “Through your donations of new toys, gifts, and financial contributions, you helped us bring joy, dignity, and a sense of magic to families who needed it most.

“This year, we were especially touched to receive donations not only from Chard, but also from surrounding areas such as Yeovil and further afield – a true reflection of how far the spirit of this appeal has reached.

“Thanks to your support – and the tireless work of our wonderful volunteers – we were able to help 149 families, ensuring 256 children received thoughtful, high‑quality Christmas gifts.

“This is an incredible achievement, and it simply wouldn’t have been possible without you.”
Special thanks went to; Lisa – Chard Precision, Circle Case Management, Kingsgroup South West, Nanny Bears Nurseries, Monk’s Yard Café, COOK Puddings, C Squared Construction, Koller Engineering Limited (Yeovil), Blackdown Acapella, Arthur David Food Service, Ian Rutter – Brown Sugar Development, Clifton Food Range, IceOTemp, Numatic, Taste Tradition, Andy Cowling @ Paperagami, One Smile Dentist, Chard, Billy Ellens – Chard RFC, Gilly Tink Tattoo, Bert Arnold – Bertiful, Belinda Bishop, Penny – Cricket St Thomas Hotel, Glen Levi, Lorraine Poole, John Adam Toys, Johnny Denapoli, The Chard Dolphin Pub, Ross Fanyinka – Osteopathy, Jeremy Blair – NxtGen Mortgages, Nuggie Clark – Chard Reservoir Bailiff, Turner Construction, Loaring Development, D Evans Builder, Pets Pantry, Chard, MemTech, Louis Henry Riley – LEHR Ltd, Eco Electric, Luke Fowler, TR Chard Builder, MJS Building Solutions, Jewson Chard, Bee Beautiful, Kings Project & Property Management, Elite Decorations SW Ltd, Custom Power, B Gibbs Funeral Services, Action Aid, Holyrood ASDAN group, Chard Lidl collection point, Health & Remedy, Chard.

“A very special thank you to Matt and his team at Smyths Toys Exeter for their generous 20% discount, which allowed us to stretch every donation even further,” Martyna added.

“Any remaining gifts will now be distributed before Christmas to Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil Hospital, ensuring even more children receive a little extra joy this festive season.

“We sincerely apologise if anyone has been missed – every single contribution mattered, and we are grateful for each one.

“This appeal is only possible because of the compassion and unity of our community.

“You have helped create moments of joy that these families will remember long after Christmas Day.

“Chard is an incredible place, and your support has made a real and lasting difference.”