Takeaway owner delivers 1,000 gifts to local children this Christmas

A takeaway owner in the West Midlands has delivered 1,000 gifts to children across his city this Christmas, funding the presents by donating a pound from every order at Sizzlers Fastfood. Arfan Mohammed said the generosity was a simple expression of care for the community he serves.

Pupils at Our Lady and St Benedict Academy are among those who benefited, along with other families Mohammed identified as in need of support. He described the effort as a practical way to help children experience joy during the holidays. "To see the smile on the faces of them children beats any challenge really. It's priceless," he said.

In addition to the gift drive, Mohammed continues to support his elderly and vulnerable neighbors by delivering food parcels. He has previously organized a charity football match to aid families affected by the Southport knife attack, after being approached by a friend of Leanne Lucas, a dance teacher injured in the attacks. The event united local supporters and businesses that donated presents or helped with logistics for Christmas deliveries.

The initiative reflects a broader pattern of community-led charity in the area, where local merchants partner with schools and nonprofits to reach families during the festive season. Mohammed said he believes communities are facing difficult times, but that the strength of the local network makes a difference. "This community means a lot to me and a lot of them are struggling," he said. By tying donations to every order, he hopes the gifts bring some relief and happiness to children who might otherwise not wake up to presents on Christmas Day.

The donations were coordinated with schools and community groups, and organizers highlighted that the gifts were distributed in a way that respected families' privacy and dignity. Local families expressed gratitude, and school staff noted the impact of the gesture on children who might be experiencing financial hardship. The year-end effort adds to a growing list of charitable activities by small business owners who have stepped in to fill gaps in social support during a challenging season.