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Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is delighted to announce the success of its annual Christmas toy collection, which brought hundreds of toys to families in need across the region.
Firefighters and staff from Avonmouth, Bath, Southmead, Weston-super-Mare, and the Business Fire Safety Team at Patchway Fire Stations collected new and nearly new toys and delivered them to local charities. These gifts were distributed to less fortunate families, making the festive season brighter for many.
The initiative was supported by an outpouring of generosity from the public, local businesses, and anonymous donors:
Avonmouth Fire Station, donated their collected toys to the Salvation Army in Pill.
The Business Fire Safety Team at Patchway delivered donations to St Chads Church for the North Bristol and South Gloucestershire Foodbank, thanks to contributions from businesses such as Prospero Teaching, Asda, and Marks & Spencer. A notable £500 donation of toys came from Joe Sims, host of BBC Radio Bristol’s breakfast show.
At Bath Fire Station, staff were amazed by an anonymous donation of £7,000 worth of toys, which were distributed through local foodbanks and community centres.
Southmead Fire Station worked with the Greenway Centre to ensure toys reached families in need before Christmas.
Weston-super-Mare Fire Station, with the support of Winscombe Fire Station, collected toys for Weston-super-Mare Foodbank, benefiting families not only during Christmas but throughout 2025.
Paul Johnson a Firefighter from Bath Fire Station said “We are incredibly grateful for the kindness and generosity of our community. These donations make a real difference to families in need, and we are honoured to help facilitate that.”
Stephen Reading from the Business Fire Safety Team added, “The support from local businesses and individuals has been truly humbling. We’ve heard first-hand how these gifts are already helping families, and it’s a privilege to be part of this effort.”
Avon Fire & Rescue Service would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the Christmas toy collection. Together, we’ve made a lasting impact on our communities.