A Nottinghamshire village has pulled together to help a struggling family celebrate their daughter’s fourth birthday.
Calverton residents poured into a Facebook appeal to help a family hit with financial problems, by providing presents and a birthday cake.
Kristy Marshall, who works with families in deprivation, organised the online appeal expecting to get a “couple of responses.”
She said: “The family were struggling financially, were worried about birthday cake, and presents.
She added: “I thought I’d put something into the Calverton village Facebook group and see if I could maybe get a couple people with spare things to donate.
“It’s just blown up – never in a million years did I expect that sort of response, it’s been absolutely overwhelming.”
Ms Marshall praised the “huge sense of community” and labelled the response as “amazing.”
“I could only accept one birthday cake, but I had plenty offered, people have been going out and buying stuff for her – too much to count.
“It reminds you of that huge sense of community.
“It has been a real struggle for most with the coronavirus, so I just didn’t expect this response, it’s amazing.
Ms Marshall added the family were “happy” to take their minds off current struggles.
“The family really appreciate everything, they’re overwhelmed too.
“They’re happy just to take a breath and not worry about things for a change.
Toni Deverill has owned a barber shop in Calverton for 21 years and offered to open her store as a drop off point for presents.
She said: “When I saw the appeal I just wanted to help. With coronavirus, I automatically thought of a drop of point for presents, while encouraging people to come in and be anonymous so not to feel embarrassed about how little or large their donation was.
She added: “I raise money for all different charities in which my customers and the community all donate they never ever let me down as their warmth and compassion for others is huge.
“The response has been amazing, and this community has definitely done this little girl proud.”
Ms Marshall has extended her gratitude to Calverton village for ensuring the three-year-old girl will be able to open presents when she celebrates her fourth birthday later this month.
