Children all over Pembrokeshire and, of course, all over the world, are already anticipating December 25 with growing excitement, with the prospect of the gifts they hope to receive. The enormous generosity of our community was again demonstrated last Sunday, when a mountain of beautiful gifts for children was on display in St. Mary's Church.

PATCH is a local charity, supporting families throughout the county who are suffering hardship and deprivation in its many forms. Its annual toy appeal was launched at the end of October and it was decided that this truly worthy cause would be supported by the benefice.

PATCH representatives, Tracy and Jan, attended the service on Sunday and expressed their delight and amazement at the quantity of toys which had been donated.

All of the gifts, some of which were gratefully received from members of St. Johns and Deer Park churches, will be given to families in Pembrokeshire who have been earmarked as particularly in need. Each child will receive five gifts and parents will also be supplied with gift wrap.

At a time of year when our generosity is constantly in demand, it was wonderful to see how much had been collected.

A very large donation of toys had been made by a gentleman from Bridgend and Tracy was given cash contributions from several church members.

Tenby Jammers, a local guitar club, had also donated £50 to the appeal.

When asked to say a few words about the way in which the scheme works, Tracy admitted that she was almost speechless and conveyed huge appreciation for all of the support given to PATCH.

The children of Sunday Club brought in their gifts and shared with the congregation their prayers for the children who would receive the presents. The toys and their future recipients were blessed by Rev. Alex, our curate, before being loaded up and transported to the PATCH headquarters.

Thanks are expressed to everyone who contributed in any way to this appeal. We are pleased that many children in Pembrokeshire who may have received very little will experience the delight of Christmas morning when they unwrap these gifts and that we have shared in the joy of giving.