Record number of gifts for Tree of Joy campaign

Helen Wood says the influx of donated presents is "overwhelming"

The leader of a charity providing Christmas presents for families in Guernsey says the generosity of the community is "overwhelming".

The Inner Wheel Group of Guernsey helps run the Tree of Joy campaign, which this year has received more than 600 donated gifts, which is thought to be a record amount.

The gifts were donated by businesses and individuals and will be passed on to children who may otherwise not receive any presents at Christmas.

Helen Wood, group president, said: "You just imagine the child on Christmas day receiving something... how special that would be."

Jocelyn Dorey says feedback from schools and agencies is positive

Ms Wood added: "Every year it's like a Santa's grotto but this year it's overwhelming, it's just amazing.

"I think the real thing is people's generosity that have given all these gifts because there's meant to be a guideline of £30 a gift but you can actually tell by some of them, people have paid a lot more than that.

"As the years go by it becomes more well-known, so the word gets around, but times are quite hard at the moment, families are definitely struggling.

"I hope the children are all really happy with them and I'm sure they will be."

This is the 30th year of the Tree of Joy campaign, which each year is launched by the Rotary Club of Guernsey with the installation of a tree, made up of a string of lights, at St Peter Port Harbour.

Jocelyn Dorey, who organises the logistics of the operation, said: "We like to think that every child has at least one present, if not two or three, to open on Christmas morning."