Parents share their heartfelt gratitude to all those who helped give their children a bit of joy for the holidays.

Many of the grandparents who wrote to the Toy Fund for help this year said it’s the high costs of living that make it impossible for them to provide gifts and a sense of normality for their grandchildren.

The interactions remind volunteers why they donate their time to keep the fund running – to provide holiday gifts to children who might otherwise get none.

‘Like most, I have been struggling,’ says one mother whose work hours were recently reduced.

The Toy Fund, using the donations from readers, will make sure children don’t miss out on the simple joys of the holidays because their parents had the courage to make a new start.

The people behind the Toy Fund are counting on a giving spirit this year more than ever because of a big surge in requests for help.