A councillor has been left “almost overwhelmed” by the response to his idea to help parents and children cope at Christmas. 

Cllr Peter Harris, who sits on City of Ely Council, spoke to families who shared their concerns about how they will manage through this month. 

“The idea came from meeting families before I went to Cambodia that they were worried about how they would cope with Christmas,” he said. 

“I felt like I wanted to do something about it.” 

Cllr Harris then decided to set up a ‘Santa’s Toy Bank’, to help parents who are having difficulties to afford Christmas presents for their children. 

The idea was thought around three weeks ago where new and unused toys can be dropped off at the toy bank, at St Mary’s Church in Ely. 

“The reaction has been excellent; it has been very well-received because everyone realised it’s the right time of year to do something,” said Cllr Harris. 

“I have been almost overwhelmed by the comments.” 

Cllr Harris has had offers from different groups and individuals towards the toy bank, where those willing to donate toys can take them to St Mary’s Church office, 11am-3pm between December 12-16 and December 19. 

Over the last 12 years, the parish councillor has been supporting the Centre for Children’s Happiness, an orphanage and school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  

The centre provides a home and education for orphaned or abandoned children who may otherwise be living and working on the city’s rubbish dumps. 

And Cllr Harris hopes that his latest idea will come to fruition. 

“It does not cost anything to clear toys from cupboards and if we can get them to families that are struggling, I think it has worked,” he added. 

“I want nothing more than just to bring joy and happiness to children’s lives.” 

Toys for children aged from zero to three-years-old, four to seven, eight to 11 and 12 to 15-year-olds are being accepted. 

Electrical items will not be accepted. 

Gifts will be given out from the toy bank at St Mary’s Church between 12-6pm on December 20 and 21. 

For more details on ‘Santa’s Toy Bank’, call Cllr Peter Harris on 07789 100357 or email: pjhely@gmail.com.