Hull Trains has spread festive joy by organising a special delivery of toys to the Doncaster Children’s Christmas Toy Appeal, sending a carriage full of Santas to bring holiday cheer to local children in need. The heartwarming initiative saw 15 volunteers from the community group HEY! Volunteering dress up as Santa Claus to travel from Hull to Doncaster, bringing a sack full of toys to brighten the season for underprivileged children.
The ‘Santa Carriage’, a fun-filled event hosted by the popular open access train operator, was met with excitement as it travelled the hour-long journey. The volunteers, all sporting their Santa costumes, were treated to a festive party experience onboard, complete with Christmas music, decorations, and mince pies. The atmosphere was full of Christmas spirit as the volunteers made their way to Doncaster, with everyone on board enjoying the seasonal celebration.
Upon arrival in Doncaster, the group was met by Andy Crittenden, the chief organiser of the Doncaster Children’s Toy Appeal, who was delighted by the unique and creative donation. The volunteers disembarked from the train at Doncaster Station, where they handed over the gifts to Crittenden and the appeal team, ensuring that the toys would make a difference to the lives of children in the region.
Andy Crittenden said: “What an absolutely fantastic and creative way to donate toys to our Children’s Toy Appeal. It was quite a sight to behold – fifteen Santas emerging from Doncaster station with a sack load of goodies! We’re extremely grateful to Hull Trains and the lovely volunteers who supported this. These extra toys will make such a difference to the lives of local children who really need support this Christmas.”
The Doncaster Children’s Toy Appeal is a local charity that provides gifts to children who might otherwise go without during the festive season. By partnering with HEY! Volunteering, Hull Trains was able to add a special touch to this year’s appeal, spreading joy and helping those in need at a time when the community’s support is most vital.
Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, expressed her pride in the company’s role in supporting the local community. “We’re proud to be an active member of the Hull community, but we’re also passionate about supporting all our other destinations that we travel to as well. The Doncaster Children’s Toy Appeal is such a vital project, and we know that this toy donation will bring happiness to young people in the area on the most special day of the year.”
She added: “We wanted to have a bit of fun with it, so rather than just having one Santa deliver the presents, we thought why not have a whole train carriage full of Santas! The lovely people at HEY! Volunteering were only too happy to help, so we threw a little festive party between Hull and Doncaster for the volunteers to show our huge thanks. The whole event was a really special day for all involved.”
David Lau, one of the HEY! volunteers, shared his enthusiasm for the occasion: “It was a wonderful day. I regularly travel with Hull Trains, so it was particularly special to be part of this occasion. I thoroughly enjoyed dressing up and having the party on the train. Then to be involved in the toy handover and know where those toys are going is a really great feeling. What a way to start Christmas!”
Hull Trains’ initiative highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves, bringing joy and kindness to those who need it most this holiday season. Find out more about HEY! Volunteering here.
