Struggling Coventry families 'cry tears of joy' at hugely popular event on Christmas Eve

Thousands flocked to Willenhall Social Club on December 24



Struggling Coventry families were 'crying tears of joy' when they attended a hugely popular event in the city on Christmas Eve. Thousands flocked to Willenhall Social Club on December 24 as gifts were handed out and children got to meet Santa.

Organiser Clel Sneddon came up with the idea 11 years ago to help disadvantaged families in Willenhall. It has since 'spiralled' into one of the biggest free-to-attend events in the West Midlands.

Families from Willenhall, Binley, Whitley, and Ernesford Grange were given Cadbury Selection Boxes and Nintendo Switches. Children also had the chance to meet Father Christmas.

Clel, who runs the Pride of Willenhall on Facebook, said the idea for the hugely popular event stemmed from giving away a food hamper in 2013. Over 1,400 nominations were received, which the 51-year-old described as 'staggering.'

It then 'spiralled' into the hugely popular event, which is held every year on Christmas Eve. Clel said the free-to-attend event is always a team effort which comes together with the help of Angela Odea, Rob O'Toole, Dougie Walton, Martin Carolan, and Katie Jonas.

Queues at the Willenhall Social Club this year were said to be 'unbelievable.' Clel said: “We just thought there is a need for this, the community needs this, and each year, it has just grown to what you saw on Christmas Eve.”

Children from disadvantaged backgrounds had the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, with many saying they were just 'blown away.' Around 1,500 brand-new toys were handed out on the day, including Nintendo Switches. Gifts were also donated to University Hospital Coventry in Walsgrave.

One woman who won a bicycle for her son was in such disbelief that she started crying. Clel said: “She just could not believe that she was taking away a new bike to give to her son for Christmas.”

Clel told CoventryLive that he started the event to bring Christmas joy to disadvantaged families in Willenhall. He said: “You will have people turning up who that might be their only opportunity to actually see Father Christmas.”

He added: “Again, there are people who will turn up, and it might be the only presents they receive this Christmas. We made sure kids left fully stocked up with presents, chocolates, and everything else! It shows the good in Willenhall.”