This Christmas, ITW Industry staff have donated toys to a children’s charity instead of exchanging cards.

In total, 34 toys were collected, representing approximately a quarter of the workforce, with a value estimated at £300. The majority of these were donated by employees of the larger ITW Industry HQ premises in Glenrothes, while the Redruth office and customer Deeside Timber Engineering each donated two gifts to the worthy cause.

After hearing about Forth One radio station’s ‘Mission Christmas Cash for Kids’ charity, accounts assistant Anne O’Rourke took it upon herself to get the ball rolling.

“I thought it would be a better use of resources. Instead of buying and writing cards to each other, the time and money could be put to better use,” explained Ms O’Rourke. “The response from colleagues was a positive one. It’s been quite exciting watching the gifts coming in and thinking of the children’s faces lighting up when they will receive them – so I would like to thank everyone that donated so willingly.”

Ms O’Rourke is already looking to next year, hoping that with an earlier start to the campaign, her ITW Industry colleagues will have more time to get involved for even greater participation. She has thanked Scott McAndrew for the photographs, Kayleigh Finlay for creating the display in the Glenrothes foyer and Roy Thomson for taking on ‘Santa duty’ and delivering the toys to the charity – albeit not in a reindeer-drawn sleigh.