More than 150 disadvantaged children in Royton will be receiving a Christmas present this year, thanks to a local mother and her family who launched a community initiative this Halloween.
Royton got into the spooky spirit this October as the town held its first scarecrow festival with almost 80 residents and businesses joining in the fun.
Homes were decorated with ghoulish and impressive displays which visitors could trace on a digital and physical map for a small donation of £2.
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One particular display struck a chord and 'wowed' residents the most.
One couple, Kwok Wong and Julie Shervington, put on a hospital-themed display, with skeleton nurses and pumpkin patients as well as a huge 'thank you NHS' banner.
There were plenty of other hidden gems along the trail, including 'Officer Straw' and a Harry Potter-themed display, with dementors, Dumbledore and a mini whomping willow tree.
@theoldhamtimes Enter Royton tonight, if you dare 😜. It’s the last night of the #Halloween scarecrow trail, so don’t miss out! #scarecrow #halloweendecor #oldham ♬ Spooky, Scary Skeletons (House VIP Remix) - Crystal Knives & Lex Allen
But while the trail was proposed as a bit of fun, Charlotte Victoria and her partner, Christopher Heaton, have been busy behind the scenes to ensure the money raised goes to those who need it the most.
Charlotte decided the proceeds of the trail will go towards Christmas presents for local children who may be in care or whose families may be struggling in the cost-of-living crisis.
Now, the pair have revealed they raised more than £1,000 for the project - meaning 157 children will have a visit from Santa this year.
Charlotte said: "Back in October, I had an idea and organised Royton scarecrow festival where families created scarecrows and displayed them in their gardens whilst I created the map and organised prizes.
"From Barbie to minions and stickman, we managed to have 79 scarecrows and together we managed to raise a huge £1,287."
The mother-of-one said she then researched into supporting children in the town who were struggling, to provide them with at least one Christmas gift.
She continued: "I managed to get a list of 157 children.
"It was a real shock and so sad to find that from one contact, there are 157 children who would be going without in our local area.
"Organising the event from scratch and creating maps and getting the local community enthusiastic about the event, as well as contacting businesses for donations and prizes was hard work.
"However, talking to local families and seeing them walking around holding their map was overwhelming and made it all worthwhile."
Charlotte and Chris, with the help of their little girl, Heidi Rae, have since been out buying presents with a list of ages to buy for.
Charlotte continued: "We definitely got lots of questions from others in the store having multiple very full shopping trollies between us.
"Knowing children in our area are going to receive a gift from Santa this year, because of a little idea we had is just amazing."
Local tuition company, Conexus Tuition, also chipped in with a generous donation which meant the sales of the maps could be used for buying gifts as well.
Residents in the community gathered at The White Hart pub on Monday (November 7) for a 'wrapathon' to wrap the presents and gift them to the Shared Health Foundation which will distribute the gifts.
The charity helps families and children in Oldham, Darnhill and Heywood in a bid to tackle child poverty and mitigate pressure on resources by providing care packages to new parents and more.
Photographs show the wrapping was a team effort with 10 Royton resident 'elves' involved.
Charlotte added: "Having 10 amazing 'elves' come and help me at The White Hart pub to wrap all these gifts was heartwarming.
"They gave up their free time, to save me wrapping them all on our own.
"We managed to wrap and pass them on to their elf workshop so they will now be delivered by Santa and 157 children will have a smile on Christmas day."
Chris also said The White Hart was "brilliant" in accommodating the team to get all the gifts wrapped.
The pair extended their thanks to Conexus Tuition, Royton Co-op, Bru'd Awkenin's, Body Therapy and Oldham Athletic for all the prizes, "and the White Hart for letting us make a mess in your pub".
They added: "I am beyond proud of what we all achieved. Well done us and roll on next year."
If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.
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