Welsh police forces bring Christmas joy to children in need with annual appeal

Police officers across Wales have been spreading festive cheer by collecting presents for children who may otherwise have gone without this Christmas.

Officers based in Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen, took it upon themselves to take part in the annual Mr X Appeal, which aims to ensure that every child in the community experiences the magic of Christmas, regardless of their circumstances.

The appeal

The Mr X Appeal, which is now in its 65th year, is a longstanding initiative throughout south Wales, and collaborates with childcare agencies to ensure that all children of all ages receive a gift at Christmas.

People are given a list of anonymous children with their age and gift preferences and then unwrapped gifts are sent to designated drop-off points and delivered to the appropriate agencies who deliver them to the children before Christmas.

Recognising the challenges many families face during the festive season, Detective Sergeant Jo Grey, initiated the appeal for the 5th year running and encouraged her colleagues to choose a child to buy gifts for.

DS Grey, who is based in Llanelli, said it was an appeal close to her heart and has gone from strength to strength since she started it.

She said: “For many children Christmas can be a difficult time. This is what the season is about, coming together to support one another and ensure that no child is left out.

“I have firsthand knowledge of people who were Mr X children, so I know the difference it makes. We have attended incidents and seen the presents that have been donated in the houses, so it makes it even more worthwhile knowing they are being used.”

Collection

This year they collected for 132 children which included everything from bikes, and scooters to Lego sets, prams and baby toys.

DS Grey said: “The effort that people put into their gifts is honestly breathtaking. The thought and generosity shown by everyone has been truly amazing. Some of the gifts included bikes, scooters, skateboards, drones, computer tablets, smart watches, Oodie’s, Lego, dolls and prams, night lights, baby toys and comforters, and more dinosaurs than I have ever seen!

“Most of the gift bags were breaking they were so full, with the average bag being worth between £80 to £100 each. When I first started it five years ago, we supported 20 children, and the uptake to get involved has just got bigger every year.

“I genuinely cannot thank everybody enough. It is overwhelming the number of presents we have managed to buy.

The Mr X scheme really brings it home that not all children are as lucky as the ones we know. However, thanks to all those people who donated, they are a little bit luckier this year.”