17 Dec Santa helps First Essex Bus donate toys to charity
Mr & Mrs Claus tried out an alternative to the traditional sleigh this week, putting the First Essex ‘Santa Bus’ through its paces to distribute a special delivery of more than 300 gifts to the Southend Borough Council Toy Drive, ensuring Southend’s vulnerable children and young people receive a gift this Christmas.
Launched this year, the Santa Bus has a dazzling festive design featuring a jolly Santa Claus being pulled in his sleigh by his famous reindeer.
Gifts donated by First Essex Bus members of staff included toys, chocolates, books and toiletries, which were gathered together on the Santa Bus by Saint Nicholas himself, before being delivered to the Civic Centre, where the gifts will be wrapped and delivered to those in need.
Since the Toy Drive began, 7603 toys have been donated to local children through local charities and programmes.
Sheena Karim, Marketing Manager for First Essex Bus, commented: “Drivers, engineers and office staff have all been working together to gather these donations, but it was great to get a little extra help from Father Christmas to deliver the gifts. The team at SBC were delighted to receive the books, toys and other items. It was great to support our community and contribute to such a worthy cause again this year, and hope these gifts give joy to those that receive them.”
