Last year, Salford residents responded to a Santa Appeal from refuse collectors by leaving out 5,000 gifts for underprivileged young people. This year 6,000 items worth an estimated £27,500 were collected, and gifts included toys, games, teddies and dolls.
The idea of asking local residents to leave a gift out with any bin or food caddy being collected came from refuse collector and UNISON convenor Sam Barry, who led this year's collection with Unite convenor Tony Calderwood.
UNISON, GMB and Unite backed the idea by sponsoring red high visibility jackets and Santa hats for the crews to wear during the week of the collection, while volunteers from Rotary in Worsley sorted and helped to distribute the gifts.
"I know many families are going through tough times so when I suggested the idea to the lads they couldn't do enough to help" says Sam "We are so grateful to all the wonderful people of Salford and Rotary in Worsley who have helped make Christmas special for local children and young people."
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