Bin men come to Santa’s rescue
Our refuse collection team received a surprise phone call from the big man himself last week, he called up in a fluster, with what seemed like an unlikely story about a dragon setting fire to his sleigh!
Santa explained that whilst he would have the sleigh back on the road for the big day, he’d need a helping hand to get gifts to some of the most important people on his nice list – children in care in Kirklees.
What happened next?
The team scratched their heads at the request, how would they deliver gifts in a bin wagon? But Santa had the answer, with a little bit of North Pole magic he could turn two of them into sleighs pulled by reindeer!!
With that problem sorted he had one more request – some of the presents had been on his sleigh on that fateful fire breathing dragon day, and he needed help to replace them.
The team looked at each other and smiled, they knew that the people of Kirklees wouldn’t let them down, and would be more than happy to donate a gift to such important people.
Jacqui Gedman, Chief Executive of Kirklees Council said:
“Our refuse collection teams are best known for taking things away, but this time they are helping to give something back.
We wanted to take this opportunity to spread some Christmas cheer and get involved in something to help others. Helping Santa deliver some gifts in our bin wagons seemed like the ideal opportunity.
I would like to thank the staff for being good sports and getting on board with the idea, and encourage everyone who can, to consider donating a gift for us to deliver. I really hope the decorated bin wagons will put a smile on everyone’s faces.
We’re collecting unwrapped boxed gifts for children aged 0 – 17 who are living in either children’s homes or foster care this Christmas. There are over 600 children currently looked after by Kirklees Council ranging from babies to teenagers, and whilst their carers receive an allowance to buy them gifts, we know they would be delighted to get something extra.
So if you are buying for children already and could afford one more gift, or maybe you have a spare gift in a BOGOFF offer why not consider donating it to a local child who is living away from their family home this Christmas.”
What gifts will they be giving out?
The council will be accepting everything from baby clothes and toys, to activity sets, stationery sets, toiletries, dolls and action figures, books and board games.
If you are considering donating an extra-large gift or making a bulk donation please email communication@kirklees.gov.uk for advice.
When will the gift delivery take place?
The two bin wagons will be dressed as sleighs from Mid-December, with the gifts being distributed on Friday 20 December. The bin wagons are planning to pop into two lucky schools on route to pick up the last few gifts before they deliver them.
How can I donate a gift?
If you would like to contribute a gift for the reindeer wagon to deliver they can be dropped in the following locations from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday until Tuesday 17 December.
Huddersfield Town Hall, Ramsden Street, Huddersfield
Dewsbury Town Hall, Wakefield Old Road, Dewsbury
Cleckheaton Town Hall, Bradford Road, Cleckheaton