Leeds United fans in 'All Elves Aren't We?' appeal for Christmas presents for city children

The 'All Elves Aren't We?' appeal is an initiative between The Roaring Peacock podcast, I Consult Yorkshire and Slung Low - which is based at The Holbeck, a former working men's club.

Slung Low is a theatre company and cultural community college, which has been delivering food parcels to people across South Leeds during the pandemic.

Dozens of volunteers sort, pack and deliver up to 350 food parcels a week from The Holbeck.

All Elves Aren't We? have teamed up with Slung Low to help families across south Leeds and provide presents for children at Christmas.

Other partners in the scheme include Ingram Road Primary School, Forging Futures Campus and CEG.

All Elves are appealing for new toys and cash to buy new toys, which will be delivered to families who receive food parcels on the last delivery round before Christmas starting on December 14.

A JustGiving appeal page has raised more than £3,000 and people are being urged to donate cash to the appeal or take new toys to The Holbeck at Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 9QX.

Businesses are being urged to donate cash they would otherwise have spent on Christmas parties or Secret Santa gifts to the appeal.

United fan Ewan Metcalf, 48, of Shadwell, volunteers at Slung Low and runs I Consult Yorkshire, which aims to get young people into work and training opportunities.

Mr Metcalf also helps with the unofficial Roaring Peacock podcast, which is run by fans including Adonis Storr, Alex Easton and Ross Bell. .

The twice weekly podcasts feature match previews and reviews along with Leeds United chat and general football talk.

Mr Metcalf said: "This last year has been one of the most difficult any of us can remember.

"The idea came about because if some people are understandably struggling to afford food, then buying Christmas presents will be even harder.

"We want to make sure that as many families as possible can enjoy this special time of the year, because every child deserves a Merry Christmas."

"We have certainly had a lot of Leeds fans who have got involved and got behind the All Elves Aren't We? appeal.

"It is also massively well supported by people who see it is a good community project.

"We are asking businesses who would usually spend money on a Christmas party to support us instead."

Mr Metcalf said generous donations received so far include £500 from Yorkshire Builders Federation and £600 from Leeds-based company Jublo.

Mr Metcalf said volunteer elves will be needed at The Holbeck to wrap and deliver presents during the second and third week of December.

If you can help with volunteering, e mail: [email protected]

Click here to donate to the Just Giving appeal.