A LADY who came to a Pembrokeshire charity saying ‘Christmas was cancelled’ set the ball rolling for what would become one of the county’s most supported appeals.

Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship recently launched its fifth Christmas Toy Appeal at its new headquarters at the Haven’s Head Business Park, Milford Haven.

Last year the charity gave toys to more than 500 referred children across the county, and this year looks set to be another busy time for its merry band of volunteers.

PATCH co-ordinator, Tracy Olin said: “The reason why we do the toy appeal is to stop people from getting into debt at Christmas time, whereas our day to day basics bank is to help those in a crisis.

"In 2009 ago a lady came to us saying Christmas was going to be a struggle, it just so happened that NatWest had a few toys left over from its appeal with Radio Pembrokeshire, so the staff there gave us some for this lady and it meant so much to her. That’s why we started the appeal."

Tracy added: “The generosity of the people of Pembrokeshire is what keeps us going from day to day, but it’s even more incredible at the toy appeal.”

The launch on Friday, October 24 was attended by supporters of the appeal, including representatives from The Port of Milford Haven, NatWest, Valero, Tesco, Asda and Radio Pembrokeshire.

Kevin Hobbs, Short Sea director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “PATCH is very important to us. We voted it our charity of the year for 2014.

“The work Tracy and the team do all year around is great, and obviously this Christmas appeal is absolutely fantastic and we are 100% behind it.”

There was also a special guest with Father Christmas making a flying visit to appeal for people to help put presents in his sack.

Donations of toys are needed, suitable for 0-18 years, from stocking fillers to family games.

The charity also needs wrapping paper, sticky tape and cardboard boxes. The ‘great sort’ will take place between December 10-13 and volunteers are invited to sign up to help. There will also be a collection outside Milford Haven’s Tesco store on November 29.