Fire Service Donates Toys To Local Families

Last week firefighters from Ashfield Fire Station donated a large collection of toys to Ashfield Play Forum, working alongside Parkin Contractors Limited to ensure the items reached local families who would benefit most.

The toys formed part of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s annual Christmas toy appeal, which once again saw thousands of gifts gathered for vulnerable children across the county.

The 2025 appeal marked its fourth consecutive year, with every fire station in Nottinghamshire taking part. The initiative has grown year on year, strengthened by community generosity and partnerships with local organisations and businesses.

As well as the donation to Ashfield Play Forum, toys were distributed to a wide range of charities, support groups, and community organisations across Nottinghamshire, including:

• Bingham Helping Hands
• When You Wish Upon A Star
• From The Heart
• City South Early Intervention Team
• QMC Children’s Ward
• PICs Primary Care
• Midlands Women’s Aid
• Central Women’s Aid
• Bingham Food Warriors
• Himmah
• Maggie’s
• Mansfield & Ashfield Young Parents Service
• Newark Women’s Aid
• Ashfield Family Support & Safeguarding Team
• Salvation Army
• Bulwell & Top Valley Primary Care Network

Sarah Sheil, who has coordinated the appeal on behalf of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service since 2022, said: “We have been truly overwhelmed by the generosity and support shown by our communities for those in need. This toy appeal has been our most successful to date, and it’s amazing to see that the toys are still being distributed now.

“Thanks to the kindness of local businesses, supermarkets, schools, community groups and individuals, many families were able to enjoy a magical Christmas.

“Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make such a difference across Nottinghamshire.”

Chloe Parkin, speaking on behalf of Parkin Contractors Limited, said: “We were proud to work with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service on this initiative. Through our Community Support Programme, we work closely with local charities by offering donations and volunteer time, as we know many organisations cannot afford the contractors they need.

“Over the past year we’ve built a growing network of local businesses and charities working together to support families across Ashfield, and we’re delighted that Ashfield Fire Station has become part of that network.

“Ashfield Play Forum’s toy library supports more than 200 families, so receiving an influx of new toys will have a real impact. We would like to sincerely thank the Fire Service for their generous donation, which will make a meaningful difference to the community.”

A community nurse involved in distributing the toys added: “Thank you to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for the toys – they made a big difference to the families I looked after over the Christmas period. We are so grateful!”

The appeal was further boosted by the support of local companies who volunteered as additional collection points. Huge thanks go to:

• SMP Europe
• DSK Bespoke Interiors Ltd
• Boots Opticians Head Office
• Alstom Electronics Limited
• Midland Filtration Ltd
• Pentagon Cupra Dealership
• Hancocks Cash & Carry
• Newark Emmaus Trust
• Barcode Warehouse
• WestPack
• Brierley Café
• Lou’s Heavenly Hampers
• Beavers @ 2nd Brinsley Underwood Scout Group
• Look Garage Doors
• Lindum Group
• Wheatley Windows and Doors
• L3WG Community
• Tesco Hucknall
• Tesco Toton
• Morrisons Gamston
• Morrisons Mansfield
• Morrisons Kirkby-in-Ashfield
• Asda Hyson Green
• Asda Newark
• Asda Retford
• Asda Harworth