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Toy Fam was born from kindness, community spirit, and two friends who refused to let Christmas be a time of worry for families in need.
What started in the Bettws flats of Jodie and Dominique during lockdown has grown into a city-wide project supporting hundreds of families across Newport. Each year, Toy Fam continues to grow thanks to the incredible generosity of the community — especially the people of Bettws, who make it all possible.
From the kindness of those who donate to the volunteers who spend hours wrapping gifts, Toy Fam is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together. Every toy, every bit of help, and every smile shared keeps the magic of Christmas alive for children who might otherwise go without.
Jodie and Dominique are deeply grateful for the support they receive each year — from neighbours and volunteers to partner organisations like Little Haven (formerly Bettws in Bloom), Newport City Radio, and The Remake Centre.
■ HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Toy Fam is now accepting new and good condition toys to make sure no child in Newport wakes up without a gift this Christmas.
Toy Donation Locations:
• Newport City Radio @ Kingsway Centre – Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Bettws in Bloom / Little Haven – Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. • The Remake Centre @ Skinner Street – Wednesday to Sunday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
■ Contact: Toysforfamiliesnpt@outlook.com
■ Find Toy Fam on Facebook to donate, volunteer, or request help.
Because when a community like Bettws comes together, incredible things happen.
■ Jodie’s Story
I’m Jodie, a single parent of three wonderful children. Everything I do is made possible by the love and support of my family and friends.
Helping others has always been my passion, especially families who find Christmas a difficult time. Sometimes I help plan from home, other times I’m able to join in person; either way, being part of something that brings joy to others means the world to me.
Life hasn’t been easy. In December 2021 I became seriously ill and lost the use of my legs for more than six months. It took over three years to finally be diagnosed with a neurological disorder, and I now live with non-epileptic seizures and use walking aids. Through it all, my children have been my biggest inspiration. They know how to stay calm when I’m unwell, they call for help when needed, and they remind me every day what real strength looks like.
I’ve faced many challenges, but my biggest motivation has always been my children, my family, and my friends. They’re the reason I keep going, the reason I try to stay healthy, and the reason I’m proud to be myself no matter what life brings.
The thing that keeps me and my friend Dom going every year is the joy of making families happy at Christmas. During the Covid pandemic we wanted to spread some cheer from our flats, and before we knew it they had turned into Santa’s grottos. Our children became little elves, wrapping gifts and helping us deliver magic to those who needed it most.
That’s how Toy Fam was born. We believe every child deserves to feel the magic of Christmas, no matter their circumstances.
If you’d like to help by donating, volunteering, or requesting support, please get in touch through our Toy Fam Facebook page. All requests are confidential, and everyone is welcome. Because together, we can make sure no child wakes up without a little Christmas joy.
■ Dominique’s Story
I’m Dominique Cook, and my biggest passions in life are simple but meaningful: spending time with family, reading, socialising, and doing what I can to make the world a little kinder.
Growing up taught me empathy. I’ve learned that a small act of kindness can make a big difference, and that’s what drives me to help others whenever I can. My family and friends are my biggest inspiration and the reason I do what I do.
I live in Bettws, a place with a huge heart. The sense of community here is incredible; people genuinely care about one another. It’s this spirit that helped me and my friend Jodie create Toy Fam, our Christmas toy appeal supporting families across Newport.
We started with a simple idea during a difficult time, just two mums wanting to make sure children still felt the magic of Christmas. What began in our flats soon grew into something far bigger, thanks to the amazing generosity of our community. Over the years we’ve built strong relationships with local groups like Little Haven (formerly Bettws in Bloom), Newport City Radio, and many wonderful volunteers who share our mission.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. We built something from nothing, learned new skills, and met incredible people along the way. The challenges I’ve faced in life, and there have been many, taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of a strong support network. When life throws challenges your way, having people beside you makes all the difference.
Toy Fam has now grown to support families right across Newport, but at its heart it’s still about the same thing: spreading kindness, lifting others up, and reminding people they’re not alone.
If you’d like to help, whether by donating, volunteering, or requesting support, please reach out through our Toy Fam Facebook page. Every message, every share, and every toy helps bring a little more joy into someone’s Christmas.
Because together, we’re not just giving gifts; we’re building a community where everyone belongs.
