Guide Lane Care Home Celebrates Community Spirit as Laundry Assistant Leads Successful Christmas Toy Appeal

Colleagues and residents at HC-One’s Guide Lane Care Home in Audenshaw, Manchester, are celebrating the incredible efforts of Laundry Assistant Tracey Simpson, who has spearheaded a heartwarming Christmas Toy Appeal to help ensure that every child in the local community wakes up to a gift on Christmas morning.

What began as a simple idea from Tracey has grown into a hugely successful initiative. Over recent weeks, she has been gathering donations of brand-new toys, games, books, and stocking fillers from colleagues, residents’ families, friends of the home, and generous members of the wider Audenshaw community.

The home’s reception area has become a festive drop-off point, with shelves and boxes now overflowing with colourful gifts ready to bring joy to children who might otherwise go without. Donations have included cuddly toys, puzzles, dolls, action figures, arts and crafts sets and winter treats.

Tracey’s dedication has created a strong sense of togetherness within the home, inspiring others to join the cause. Residents have enjoyed watching the collection grow and have shared their own stories of Christmas traditions, adding an extra special touch to the appeal.

Tracey said: “I wanted to do something that would make a real difference this Christmas. No child should wake up without a present and seeing how everyone has pulled together has been incredibly heartwarming. I’m so grateful to everyone who donated, it really does mean the world.”

The donations will soon be collected from Guide Lane Care Home and distributed by local partners supporting families facing hardship during the festive period.

Charlotte Heathcote, Home Manager, said:
“Tracey’s compassion and enthusiasm have brought so much joy to the home. Her Toy Appeal has united staff, residents, and the community in a lovely way. We are so proud of the positive impact she is making and the happiness these gifts will bring to families this Christmas.”