Altrincham-based Research & Development Specialists LTD (RDS) (www.randdspecialists.co.uk), has delivered over £2,000 worth of toys, games and presents for underprivileged children across Greater Manchester and Nottingham.

In Manchester, partnering with Manchester-based charity, Wood Street Mission, the local business provided gifts for those children in the care system, and those who may not have received any presents this year without donations from individuals and companies such as RDS.

An expanding company now in its fourth year, RDS has supported the Wood Street Mission’s annual appeal from its first year and, as it grows, will look to more than quadruple the donation next year.

Mark Joyner of RDS said: “Christmas is a joyous time of year for most, but it’s important to remember that not everyone looks forward to this time of year. It can be incredibly difficult for some families and children, especially for those within the care system. We believe every child should receive a gift at Christmas time, and every child should know that somebody is thinking about them.

“We’ve supplied toys to the Wood Street Mission for the past four years, as we grow, we hope to expand our support with the help from our customers. The charity does fantastic work throughout the year helping some of the region’s poorest families, so we’re extremely proud to support and partner with them.”

Anne from Wood Street Mission said: “This year, so many families are struggling, even more so than in previous years making the support of our corporate partners (such as RDS) even more vital. These gifts mean the world to those who receive them and help us towards our mission to ensure that all children receive a present this Christmas, no matter what their background or current living situation.”

The company also donates in Nottingham, where it has a further satellite office, and a proportion of its senior management team is based. Here RDS donated more presents for children via Nottingham Council’s Early Help Services.

Julia Bramble, Service Manager at Early Help Team & Behavioural and Emotional Health Team said: “Early Help teams have been privileged over recent years to be able to distribute donated toys and selection boxes to children in Nottingham who may not otherwise receive anything for Christmas.

“I have observed first-hand the surprise, excitement and joy when children receive something and the gratitude and relief from parents who want to do their best but cannot afford more than just the basics. We work children such as the two-year-old girl and her mother who have just moved into a flat having spent time in a refuge after they fled an abusive relationship. Her mum has spent everything she has on basic furniture, clothes and food; having left everything they owned behind. This is the first Christmas her daughter will have away from fear, and her mum wants to make it special – but she can’t afford gifts or treats.

“We also have a family of two parents with eight children. The parents work but the family struggles for money and they rely on food banks regularly. Most clothes and toys are handed down from one child to the next, and the youngest children rarely have anything new – or just for themselves.

“These are just two of the families whose children would love any kind of gift or treat this Christmas – the kindness of your donations means so much more than just a THANK YOU – it means someone cares and it creates happy memories.”