IT was easy to get wrapped up in the warmth of the Christmas spirit that encompassed the room at a West Devon charity base, as willing helpers volunteered to wrap more than 3,000 presents to be sent to disadvantaged children across the UK.

The dining room at children's charity CHICKS' (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids) moorland retreat in Brentor was brimming with wrapping paper, sticky tape, presents and the good humour of more than 20 festively dressed volunteers, helping the charity provide a small amount of Christmas cheer to the hundreds of youngsters who have been on a respite break with CHICKS — which for many may be the only present they get this year.

A similar volunteer wrapping event was held the day before at the charity's coastal retreat in Par, with volunteers wrapping 3,600 gifts. Three small presents are put into an envelope, along with a festive note from break leaders and sent out to be received just in time for Christmas.

Those involved in the wrapping ranged from people who regularly volunteer in the CHICKS admin office to representatives of the charity's sponsors.

Marketing and communications officer Azita Shamsolahi said: 'Our regular office volunteers come in every week and save the charity so much money and time.

'Some have been coming for more than five years.

'As well as their week-long break with the charity, every child receives individually wrapped Christmas presents sent to their house, so that they can have at least one gift to put under their tree.'

Sarah Leverton, who has volunteered every week in the office for six years, was putting her wrapping skills to the test.

She said: 'I had a lot of free time so I went to the volunteer centre in 2008, told them what my skills were and they said CHICKS needed help in the fundraising office and I haven't looked back since.'

Sarah said she had been involved in many activities with the charity that she wouldn't otherwise had ever thought she would do, such as attending balls, taking part in the annual Santa Sprint, commando challenges, bag packing and her biggest feat — conquering the highest peak in North Africa with the charity earlier this year, in the Toubkal Trek.

'It's such a great charity, you feel like you are making a real difference to children's lives,' she said.

'I didn't know much about it when I started but as soon as I came here, the atmosphere and the people were just brilliant. Hearing the stories from children who have been on a break here and how much fun they have had — it's so rewarding.'

CHICKS has been providing week-long respite breaks for youngsters since it was founded in 1992. It helped 25 children in its first year. Now, up to 1,200 underprivileged children a year, who have been referred to the charity, are being provided with a respite break.

These children come from across the UK and from a variety of backgrounds. They may live in poverty, be children that are neglected or abused, either mentally, physically or sexually, some who may have no parents or are full-time carers for other family members. For some it may be the only holiday they get and is a chance for them to play, interact with other children, go on exciting outings, eat proper hot meals and spend a worry-free week just being children.

As well as providing breaks throughout the year, CHICKS also provides breaks over the Christmas period.

The breaks run from December 23 to 27 and the youngsters take part in festive activities, each get a couple of presents to open on Christmas morning and they sit down for a traditional roast turkey dinner together on Christmas Day.

One youngster who will spending Christmas at CHICKS this year is eight-year-old 'Mark'.

Mark has never really known his mother. She left when he was very young, leaving him in foster care. His father fought hard to get him out of the care system and they now live in a deprived area of Birmingham.

Everyday is a struggle for Mark and his father. They rely on food banks and Mark receives free school meals and uniforms.

Christmas is especially tough for them both. His mother has very little contact with him, which he finds upsetting, and their financial situation means there is little money for presents, treats and celebrations.

Spending Christmas with CHICKS will give Mark the opportunity to enjoy the traditional Christmas he would not have at home.

Surrounded by new friends, he will receive presents, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and have fun in a safe environment.

The people that make these breaks possible though, are the volunteer break leaders and helpers that give up their time to spend the entire week with the youngsters — even sleeping at the retreat with them so they have a familiar face to call on at all times.

One such volunteer is Andy Hopkins. He been involved in many breaks and this year will be the third Christmas he has volunteered for. Andy will be one of 12 volunteers that take part in the camp, six at each retreat.

'Because I've worked the last two years, this year was supposed to be my year off, but I wanted to do it again,' he said.

'I feel like this is what Christmas is all about — children celebrating together, getting excited, spending the whole day playing — it's really lovely.'

Andy said Christmas was a very busy time with lots of activities planned for the week.

'On Christmas Eve we are taking them snowtubing and then for a meal in Plymouth, then we will visit Santa in his grotto and play in the park in the afternoon, finishing off with going to see the pantomime.

'The kids will also decorate a few trees for the retreat. A couple of years ago we had a child that didn't see what the point of a tree, decorations and presents was because he had never had it before.'

Andy said on Christmas Day the children each get a stocking and a main present, given by donation or bought from money contributions.

'The children will open their gifts and then we will go up to the church to sing carols.

The chef is coming in on Christmas Day to make a full traditional meal and we push the tables together so we can all sit together. Then they are free to do what they want. We try to make it feel like a home environment rather than like a youth group.'

He said on Boxing Day they play on the moors, go climbing and just enjoy themselves before going home the following day.

Andy added: 'Sharing Christmas with the children is quite a special time.

'You bond a lot with them while just sitting and playing.

'We get photos, like the children do, to take back with us.

'After showing my family the photos and DVD they understood why I wanted to do it.

'Since then my mum and younger brother have both volunteered on breaks.'

l Anyone who would like to contribute to the work of CHICKS, by volunteering, making a donation or just to find out more about the charity can visit http://www.chicks.org.uk">www.chicks.org.uk