With December upon us, time is running out to donate a gift or money to Carmarthenshire County Council’s annual Christmas Toybox Appeal - which helps hundreds of children with families who can’t afford to buy toys or gifts.

Donations have been gratefully received from communities across Carmarthenshire as volunteers have been busy collecting toys from collection points across the county in readiness to give to children.

The Council is particularly grateful to pupils of Ysgol Llangennech for their assistance in collating the presents this week.

Please visit the ‘Newsroom’ page on the Council’s website to view a full list of all the collection point locations.

Last year saw the Appeal help more families than ever who were struggling financially with more than 9,900 gifts distributed to 1,650 children.

This year people can either give a financial donation or drop off new gifts - from games, arts and craft items to toiletry gift sets for all ages - from 18 months up to teenagers, at one of a number of collection points around the county. Unfortunately, the appeal cannot accept used or second-hand donations.

Schools, family centres, social workers and youth workers identify those who are in greatest need of support and council staff will distribute them in the run-up to Christmas.

The Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for the Toybox Appeal, Cllr Linda Evans said: “The support we have received, once again this year, from residents, businesses and organisations across the county has been incredible.

“If you are able to donate to this excellent cause, we kindly ask that you buy an extra gift or to make a donation no matter how big or small, that it will make a huge difference to the hundreds of children across the county who will receive a gift on Christmas day.”

Financial donations can be made online. If you have a cash or cheque donation please call 01267 246504.

Here is a list of collection point locations locally:

• Carmarthen Customer Service Hwb, St Catherine’s Street.

• County Hall, Carmarthen.

• Tesco, Morfa Lane, SA31 3AX.

• Carmarthen Leisure Centre, Llansteffan Road, Johnstown, SA31 3NQ.

• St Clears Leisure Centre, Station Road, SA33 4BT.