A TAVISTOCK cancer specialist nurse has helped to make christmas magical for hundreds of families this year with her toy recycling project.

Thousands of toys were donated at a recent pop up event at the United Reformed Church in Tavistock after an appeal was made mum of two Isabel Williams.

Isabel first came up with the idea of passing on unused toys to those in need when having a clearout.

As she filled up a few bags with toys her children no longer used, Isabel thought how best these toys could be used and decided she wanted to donate them to families in the local community who couldn’t afford to spend a great deal on presents this Christmas.

Isabel said: ‘I’d never done anything like this before. I was involved with the local voluntary group during lockdown delivering food and medicine but this idea just sprung from a simple clearout; I really wanted to make a difference.’

She posted the idea to friends and family online and when Pamela Smith from the Salvation Army saw her post, she was quick to respond — naturally drawn to the idea and wishing to help in any way that she could. From there things began to snowball quickly.

Anyone with unwanted toys was encouraged to kindly donate them in order to ensure no child in the community went without a gift for Christmas this year.

With Pamela’s network of contacts in charitable circles, the two ladies were soon able to secure Tavistock United Reformed Church hall as a venue for their event earlier this month. Tavistock Library and the Mime cafe served as drop off points for toy donations.

Isabel was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of donations received, some of which were brand new and many as good as new.

With the help of her husband Pete (who runs Drake’s Auctions) and mum Pamela, Isabel was able to transport, store and sort through several thousands of items donated in preparation for the event, which turned out to be a huge success.

Some of the many hundreds of people who came in additionally wanted to give money as a token of thanks although this was not an obligation. Almost £100 was donated and went to the Tavistock Children’s Centre.

Isabel has said it is something she’d love to do again: ‘Not only did it help people, they were really grateful too,’ she said. ‘They say it meant a lot to them.

‘It worked really well as a model and I’d love to see other communities take on the idea and roll it out. It’s quite a big undertaking but it’s a great thing to do.’

It wasn’t just those who attended the event who benefited from the huge number of donations — Isabel was also able to pass on boxes laden with toys, books and games to the Children’s Centre in Tavistock, the Gamba Project and several to the Trevi House charity, a pioneering residential rehabilitation programme for women together with their children, for the ten children currently residing there. Some are also being given to a women’s refuge.

Isabel still has toys left so if anyone is looking for some gifts to give to their young ones this Christmas, get in touch with her via her email: [email protected] or via her Facebook profile https://www.facebook.com/isabel.lamb.92