IF YOU happened to see some suspicious activity in the main car park of Bovey Tracey last Thursday night, there’s no need to be alarmed.

It was just some generous folk helping to make Christmas a lot better for families with young children who are struggling to manage.

Local charity the Bovey Family Storehouse put out an appeal for toys and gifts, and anyone wanting to contribute could turn up to pass them over to volunteers.

So, on a dark and stormy night the charity was overwhelmed by the generosity of people who had come out in inclement weather just to donate a toy, gift or money.

One of the organisers, town councillor Kate Morgan-West – who co-founded the Storehouse with Rosie Stephens and Camilla Mattison – said: ‘The idea came from Jacqui Baker, who is a member of the local running club.

‘It was amazing to see people come along to donate. One lady didn’t have any toys but just wanted to give something. She passed over cash.’

The charity was collecting for families in the parish and beyond who have been referred to the Storehouse by schools, surgeries and professional agencies. They help throughout the year but this effort was to make the festive season a little more bearable for those in need.

The appeal for toys was aimed at children aged eight to 12, but the charity has also received funds raised mainly by three local groups.

Kate explained: ‘We have received an amazing £380 from Bovey Tracey Football Club, the Couch to 5k running club and Bovey Bygones football team. This was from weekly collections which they’ve passed on. We’ll use the money to buy gifts for teenagers, such as headphones or trainers, and baby goods for families who have been specifically identified as being in need.’

The charity will continue its work all year round and welcomes donations of pre-loved maternity, baby and children’s items for local families who need them.

They can be contacted on email at

[email protected]. Any messages to their Facebook page will be quickly answered.

Another local charity which helps 10 refugee families living in the area still needs your help and donations. Kate asks anyone who wants to make their Christmas a little more joyful to contact her via the Storehouse email address or Facebook page.

They can be contacted on email at [email protected]. Any messages to their Facebook page will be quickly answered.