Thousands donate presents for children in care who have ‘never had pillows or toothbrushes’ after kind-hearted PC’s Twitter appeal
The policewoman says she is 'overwhelmed' by the response after she tweeted about the boys' heartbreaking story on Friday
THOUSANDS of Christmas gifts have been donated for two young boys in care who have never had pillows, toothbrushes or toys after a policewoman tweeted about their heartbreaking situation.
PC Sally Baines, who appealed for gifts for the pair who are just 5 and 6, says she has been "humbled" by the incredible response.
Sally, of West Yorkshire Police, tweeted about the heartbreaking situation on Friday, saying she had just learnt about the pair who had never had pillows, toothbrushes or toys.
But within just two days, "thousands" of gifts have been donated and are now going to be shared between other children in care in similar situations.
Ms Baines, from Huddersfield, said she was "overwhelmed" by the generous donations, and said the boys now had "more than enough" presents.
She said a few would be chosen for the pair, who may not be able to take many with them as they are moved around the care system, but she hoped the rest of the toys could go to children in similar situations in the Kirklees area.
The donations started after Ms Baines's first tweet, on Friday, which said: "Just been told about 2 kids under 6 who have been taken into foster care. Never had pillows, toothbrushes, toys. I am heartbroken."
She then tweeted: "Been asked if I can donate any toys or books for them, I think I will be going shopping this weekend to get them some stuff."
But after the unprecedented public response, Sally tweeted today: "THANK YOU to everyone who's brought us gifts for the 2 boys in care. We have literally been overwhelmed with generous donations!"
The launched an appeal on Saturday and tweeted: "Can you help two little boys in foster care who have never had any Christmas presents?"
Ms Baines, who is herself a mother, counted the presents which include teddies, books, a football and a Star Wars scooter.
One little boy gave two of his own toy cars.
Ms Baines said: "He brought them in from his toy box at home."
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