JCB Toy Appeal Wraps Glebe in Christmas Cheer
The spirit of giving has brought smiles to children at Co-op Academy Glebe, thanks to an incredible donation of gifts from JCB employees.
More than 1,700 presents were donated by JCB employees from plants in Rocester, Uttoxeter, Cheadle, and Foston who generously contributed to the 2024 JCB Christmas Toy Appeal.
These gifts have been distributed to Stoke-on-Trent-based charities, including the NSPCC and the Hubb Foundation, with the first batch delivered at Co-op Academy Glebe last week.
The festive occasion was made even more special by a visit from Olympian Adam Burgess, who achieved a silver medal at this summer's Paris games. and Harry Kirby, a fellow member of Stafford and Stone Canoe Club. Both athletes lent a helping hand by wrapping the gifts and delivering them to excited pupils at the school.
Adam said: “It’s brilliant to be involved with the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal again. It was a
really rewarding experience last year, especially seeing the kids’ faces light up as they
opened their gifts. I had a great childhood and always had presents at Christmas, so it’s
really great to be a part of this, which gives something back in our local area.”
Hubb Foundation School Relationship Manager, Tana Owen, said: “It’s incredible to have more than 1700 presents - there are going to be so many happy children in Stoke-on-
Trent when we get these delivered. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone at
JCB for these gifts.”
Harry Kirby added: “As a youngster I always had presents to open at Christmas so it’s s
great to be involved with the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal which is helping children who
aren’t quite as fortunate as I was as a child.”
Co-op Academy Glebe Head of School, Kirsty Suleman, said: “We’re really privileged to
have had this donation towards our school and it was absolutely wonderful to see the
children’s faces when they opened the presents. We’ve worked in partnership with the
Hubb Foundation and JCB for many years and we really are so thankful for the support.”