Charities overwhelmed by one family's mission to spread Christmas cheer

Lewis Smith, nine, his mum Kelly and baby brother Theo, appealed to friends and family to help collect a few gifts for children who might otherwise wake up on Christmas Day with nothing.

But the youngster’s call to action inspired many more people who read about their plea in The Gazette and via Kelly’s Facebook posts.

Representatives from both Fleetwood Together and Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde, and Wyre, collected the donations which filled two cars and a van.

The volunteers could hardly believe the amount they were taking away.

Chris Rumley, from Fleetwood Together, said: “We should have brought a bigger van ! This is absolutely amazing, Lewis and his family have done an incredible job.

“These gifts will be wrapped and handed out to families across Wyre as part of our Christmas project.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support from businesses and organisations across the community, and individuals like these guys.

“Thank you so much to everyone who donated to Lewis and Kelly, you really have made someone’s Christmas.”

And Tracy Baker from Home-Start added: “I can’t believe how many donations Lewis has received in just a few days, we never expected so much.

“All the presents will be sorted by our staff and volunteer team then delivered to families in need right across the local area.

“It’s such a lovely thing for Kelly and Lewis to think of others in this way, and I want them to know just how much of a difference they’re making to lots of people this Christmas.”

Kelly launched the campaign to help give back to the two organisations which have helped her family this year, and to help teach Lewis about the importance of giving as well as receiving

at Christmas.

She said: “We really enjoyed doing the collection and seeing all of the donations come in, we only wish we could have done more.

“I think Lewis has learned a lot about generosity and helping others, and we’re definitely going to do it again next year.

“Thank you to my mum and sister, all of their friends and colleagues, to the people who contacted me on Facebook and the businesses who responded to my calls, the team at RTC and

NHS Pensions at Hesketh House in particular.

“It’s so wonderful how everyone has come together to do something nice for others.”

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