Good Samaritans buy everything in toy shop to give to kids without presents this Christmas

A couple of Good Samaritans purchased everything in a toy shop to give to kids who don’t have presents this Christmas.

A business owner and his partner in Wales have encapsulated the true spirit of Christmas, by making sure families in need don’t go without presents this year.

Ryan Powell, who owns a company called Brecongate Projects, bought all the contents of local toy shop D.Emlyn Lloyd in Ystrad Mynach, following the announcement by the Welsh government that non-essential retailers have to close their doors.

Ryan Powell / Facebook

Ryan and his business partner Paul Jones decided to purchase the toys to help struggling families that were waiting for their last wage before buying presents, only for nearly all shops in the country to close.

He told WalesOnline: “I am an employer, we employ around 80 people. I know that many people are reliant on their last wage before Christmas to go shopping.

“I know there are people waiting for their Universal Credit and last wage who I thought will be struggling. Me and my wife were thinking of what we could do to help when we saw D.Emlyn Lloyds post that they have lots of toys left for sale. I got in touch with them and said I will buy them all.”

The businessman bought the toys at cost price before posting on Facebook to ask families who might be struggling to get in touch to arrange drop off.

The post quickly gained thousands of shares and interactions, and the response has been hugely positive. 

Ryan added: “Trying to read through all the messages to sort out who could get what, I was doing it with a lump in my throat and tear in my eyes, knowing the struggle people have been through this year.

“I just wish I had did it sooner. The response I had is nothing like I expected.

“The people that messaged me were waiting for their final pay and benefits. There are single parents who haven’t wanted to risk taking their children out shopping. I am just sorry I didn’t start this earlier.”

All-in-all Ryan bought around 80 toys, which has managed to help 25 families and about 70 children, and he’s now on the lookout for other ways he can help people this festive season.

Well done Ryan and friends, we need more people like you in the world!