THE Devon Football Family showed the true spirit of Christmas by coming together to support the Devon County FA Christmas Toy Appeal, helping to bring hundreds of smiles to children and families across the county.

In collaboration with Newton Abbot Town Council, supporting Trevi Women, Children's Hospice South West and the Cwtch Hub, Devon County FA set out to ensure as many children as possible have something special waiting for them this Christmas.

Each charity supports its community all year round, and Devon County FA was proud to play a small part in helping the families they work with.

The response was overwhelming, with thousands of pounds worth of donations made to the appeal.

With contributions coming from across the county, significant support was received from SB Frankfort Under 14s in Plymouth, Exeter City Women’s Football Club and their supporters, Red Rock Electrical, the Plymouth Argyle Post 16 students based in Newton Abbot, the Pioneer Youth League, and Lisa Arthurs Arbow Garage, ensuring as many families as possible wake up on Christmas morning with something special, which might not have been possible otherwise.

Devon County FA CEO Chris French said: “On behalf of everyone at Devon County Football Association, thank you!

“When we set out on this mission, we were unsure what to expect, but the response to the campaign has been truly moving, and the power football has within the community has been on show for all to see.

“Trevi, Cwtch Hub and Children's Hospice Southwest do some amazing things, and to be able to support them and their families through of community has been incredibly special.

“Football has the ability to bring people together, and at Christmas that sense of togetherness matters more than ever.”

Kris Hanson from the Cwtch Hub added: “Thank you so much to the Devon FA for organising such an amazing scheme that will benefit many local children and to the Devon Football Family for coming out in such a way.

“It's so great to see so many people come together to spread joy through the community at Christmas.”

And Daniela Hopkins, Area Fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Devon FA team to Little Bridge House and to show them around the hospice.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Devon FA for their generosity and commitment to making a difference this Christmas.

“Their toy appeal will bring so much joy to the children and families we support at Little Bridge House, and it’s wonderful to see the local football community come together to spread kindness.

“We would like to thank all the local families for their donations to the families cared for by CHSW; it truly warms my heart as I know these gifts will create special memories for them all.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Devon FA to make an even greater impact in the future”

Amanda Greenwood, Trevi CEO, emphasised the importance of the appeal during challenging times: “Devon FA’s toy appeal has helped to bring a little Christmas cheer to some of the women and children supported by Trevi, at a time when things can be challenging.

“We’re grateful to be one of their chosen charity partners and appreciate everything they’ve contributed to Trevi throughout the year."