A Warminster man who has dedicated himself to supporting Ukrainian refugees will set off on his 39th humanitarian mission this November – this time with a special focus on bringing Christmas cheer to children caught up in the war.
George ‘Tommy’ Sprangle will leave on 10th November for Poland, where he delivers vital supplies to a hostel in Bydgoszcz, home to families who have fled the conflict. This trip, however, will carry something extra: Christmas presents for the children.
“This is my Christmas trip; I’m collecting presents so the children can have a proper Christmas,” explained Tommy, who will be joined by his next-door neighbour and a member of Warminster Lions Club, Alun Maddocks. “I’m inviting people to put together shoe boxes or simply a bag wrapped in Christmas paper with gifts inside.”
Tommy is asking for donations of gifts suitable for children and young people. At present, there are around 35 children at the hostel, ranging in age from toddlers to teenagers, with more expected to arrive soon.
“The kids love it,” he said. “They even help unload the van when I arrive. They know I’ll bring sweets as well as gifts which will be a real treat for them. Seeing their faces makes it all worthwhile. Some of these children have been through terrible things, and it means the world to know they can still smile.”
Local support has been crucial. “Warminster people have always pulled together to support the trips,” he said. “The Lions and local businesses, groups and individuals have been amazing – I couldn’t do it without them. I have a few regulars who sponsor me each time, and they make the trip possible and any support would be much appreciated.”
Tommy, previously a community development officer at Warminster Garrison, added, “This is my 39th trip. A lot of kids at the hostel are orphans or have fathers out fighting in the war.
“The oldest lady there is about 80 or so. She lived in the same house in Ukraine her whole life – the same one her mother and grandmother lived in – until it was bombed in the war.”
Tommy gives up his own time for trips to the hostel, which is 100km from the border with Ukraine, and he has previously delivered donations including bikes, clothes, scooters and schoolbags. He has been making the journeys since the start of the war, after volunteering to drive donations to the border. He paid for the first trips out of his own pocket, and now fundraises as well to make them possible. He has a GoFundMe page to raise funds with the hire of a van making up the largest expense.
Anyone wishing to donate a Christmas gift can contact Tommy through his Facebook page (Sprangle George Tommy) or via his GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/5d211a23
