Welsh winners put a wrap on Christmas for kids
A team of National Lottery winners has spent a day packing donated toys into gift boxes that will make Christmas Day special for children across South Wales.
The winners joined the team at the ToyBox Project in Bedwas, Caerphilly, a National Lottery-funded charity that distributes new and pre-loved toys to families and organisations across South Wales.
Christmas is a particularly busy time for the ToyBox Project. The winners were kept busy sorting, packing and wrapping toys for children of all ages who might otherwise have very little to unwrap on Christmas morning.
Determined to add their own ‘Christmas magic’ to the day, the winners brought a selection of new toys to add to the gift boxes. They also met some of the families who have been supported by the ToyBox Project and learned how it changes lives.
Among the helpers was Ceri-Ann Roscoe-Roberts from Llanberis who won £1M in 2023. She said, “As a mother of five children I know Christmas can be a tricky time. So, when I heard about the project, I jumped at the chance to help out.
“The ToyBox volunteers have told us that demand doubles at Christmas and they’re expecting to provide toys to more than 1,500 kids. We genuinely hope what we have done today helps make Christmas a little brighter for these kids and their families in South Wales. Seeing how much love and effort goes into ToyBox’s work is really inspiring - it reminds you what the true spirit of Christmas is all about.”
ToyBox, which was set up in 2020, has quickly become a vital resource for thousands of children and their families. In 2024, it provided toys to more than 9000 children. It also operates a free-to-use shop and partners with local schools to help distribute toys.
Darren and Gemma Burfitt from Swansea, who won on the Euromillions Millionaire Maker last year, said, “For all children, ours included, Christmas is such a magical time. ToyBox helps keep that magic alive by providing gifts to those children who may have nothing or very little to open on Christmas.
“In addition, by making sure preloved toys are gifted, they also help keep perfectly good items out of landfill. It’s been fantastic and humbling to help out on this project.”
James Morgan from the ToyBox Project said, “The National Lottery winners’ energy and enthusiasm have really brought the Christmas spirit alive!
“We are a volunteer-led project, so we always struggle, especially at this time of year, to get everything done. Having this extra help will really set us up for the Christmas rush and thanks to their help and additional gifts, many children across South Wales will have a magical surprise to open this Christmas.”
The ToyBox Project welcomes donations of toys and is keen to hear from people willing to volunteer their time. Find out how to make a financial contribution to the project.
20th November 2025
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