Personnel collect donations for Christmas toy drive
HMS SULTAN thanked the local community for their donations after organising a successful toy drive to support families facing hardship this Christmas; which featured a collection of new / nearly new toys, books and puzzles that were given to Jacobs Well Care Centre.
Personnel and trainees throughout the Gosport training establishment contributed generously to the cause, filling boxes with presents to support Jacobs Well’s vital work in the community. These will be shared with families in the days before Christmas with an event due to be held early next week.
Established in 1992, Jacobs Well Care Centre originally focused on alleviating poverty in Romania. The charity shifted its focus in 2010 to serve the local Gosport community and now provides affordable furniture, operates a foodbank and runs a coat and school uniform exchange.
Stuart Pottinger, CEO of Jacobs Well, said: “We’re holding a Christmas Giveaway on Monday 22nd December from 10am to 1pm for all our registered customers who have needed support in 2025. We’ll be giving away food treats, toys for all ages and festive surprises. After our regular families have had the opportunity to collect what they need, we’ll open to the Gosport public while supplies last – and if we have leftovers, we may continue on Tuesday 23rd.”
He continued: “We’re incredibly grateful for these donations from HMS Sultan. It’s wonderfully generous. People really come together when support is needed most, and Christmas holds such special meaning, particularly for children. These toys will make a real difference – it’s brilliant.”
The HMS Sultan Toy Drive was coordinated by HMS Sultan Base Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer 1 Marty Wallace, Establishment Admin Assistant, Jessica Leslie, and Aggie’s Chaplaincy Support Workers, Rebecca Baird and Iain Whitehead.
WO1 Wallace said: “Christmas is a wonderful time, but it can present real challenges for those experiencing difficulties. The response to the Toy Drive at Sultan has been incredible, we’ve been amazed by the generosity of some donations. We’re delighted to help Jacobs Well share some festive joy and magic, particularly with families who need it most.”
Readers can read more information about HMS Sultan by visiting this link; which further includes regular updates from across the training establishment.
PICTURED BY LEADING PHOTOGRAPHER BAZ SWAINSBURY: A collection of donations that will be given to families facing hardship this Christmas, allowing them to experience a little bit of happiness despite difficulties.
