A COMMUNITY has “saved Christmas” by rallying round to replace presents stolen from the Gateway Centre in Ravenscliffe last week.

Centre manager Maureen Holmes said she had been overwhelmed by the response of the local community, individuals and companies after the break-in last Sunday (December 8).

Between 40 and 50 Christmas presents meant for local children, helping families in crisis, were stolen from a metal container outside the building.

Ms Holmes said: “The community has rallied round. They’ve saved Christmas.

“It is absolutely amazing. People were absolutely disgusted.”

She said among the many people who had handed in toys and games at the centre were individuals, Newlands Community Association, Matalan and the local day care centre.

“Within five minutes our Facebook post had had 250 shares,” she added.

“Lots of people have come in with toys.

“Thanks to everyone who came in and all the local firms.”

The centre posted on its Facebook page that it had been inundated with people wishing to donate, they cannot answer everyone individually.

It said: “We cannot thank you enough and this is so extremely humbling, showing real Christmas Spirit and showing there are far more good than bad people in this world.

“Again thank you so much, we are ever so grateful, what an amazing selfless thing you are doing, on the back of a few selfish individuals!”

The centre is still accepting presents for local children aged 0 to 18 years. They should be new, unwrapped and to a maximum of £10 per present. They could be books, toys and games.

Donations can be dropped at the centre between 9am and 5pm on Monday.

Numerous people posted on the centre’s Facebook page offering support, saying they would drop off presents and offering their time to wrap them.

Among the posts was one saying St John’s Church had collected cash at its Beers and Carols event at the Dog & Gun.

A crowdfunding page has also been started in response to community requests to raise £500 for the centre to buy replacement presents.

The page at Justgiving.com has been set up bt the Ravenscliffe Community Association charity. All money will go towards replacements, children’s activities and supporting the running of the centre to continue doing the work it does.

CCTV recorded the raiders trying for three hours before finally managing to force open a window with what looked like a crowbar.

Ms Holmes said the presents were meant for children who had been referred to them by statutory organisations and who would really appreciate and need toys.

The presents were donated by secret Santas and donor points across the district.