Walking into Langleys toy shop in the Royal Arcade is equivalent to entering a child's wonderland, full of stuffed animals, Shopkins, toy trucks and games.
The store is now bringing that wonderland to hospital this Christmas season. It's all part of Send a Smile with Santa, a campaign through the Evening News and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (N&N) to donate presents to patients.
Shop manager Chris Goulding knows how much difference one kind gesture can make. He received a soap-on-a-rope from Father Christmas when he was nine years old in hospital and still has the meaningful gift today.
'Being in hospital any time is not nice for children, but especially at Christmas. I personally spent Christmas in there as a child and I'm extremely grateful for all the hard work the staff does to try and make this time of year special.
'Langleys just loves to bring smiles to children's faces and anything we can do to help that happen makes us happy,' he said.
Among the treasures the shop will donate are Shopkins jigsaws, Gone Fishing games, My Little Pony Equestria Girls and Jurassic World Air Brush Dino kits.
Langleys is the first toyshop to throw its weight behind the campaign by donating almost 150 toys to the N&N. After Mr Goulding saw an article in the Evening News last week, he knew the shop had to get involved.
The N&N is expecting about a thousand patients over the holiday season and is aiming to provide all of them with presents.
Fundraising manager at the hospital, Louise Cook, is overjoyed that more people are getting involved with the appeal.
'This gives children a little bit of magic during Christmas. Last year we did an appeal like this for both children and older people, many of who were totally alone.
'This year we realised that being in hospital at Christmas – full stop, regardless of who you are – is miserable. It's fun for the staff to get in the spirit as well.
'You can't forget the power of one person. This is a popular appeal because it applies to both individuals and businesses,' she said.
What patients at the N&N can look forward to
In the almost 150 toys Langleys is donating to the hospital this Christmas season, a few stand out. A lucky patient at the N&N could be receiving any one of these special gifts:
My Little Pony Equestria Girls Motocross: this present puts a whole new spin on the term 'doll'. The independent, funky character is winning over girls' hearts everywhere
Halo Armor Bay Box: build your own armour with this hard-core toy
Jurassic World Air Brush Dino: if you've ever imagined what it would be like to be in the Jurassic World movie, this might be your chance. With this kit you can design your own 3-D dinosaur and get creative with an air blaster, felt markers and paint
Shopkins jigsaw: Shopkins is most definitely taking over the world, and this fun jigsaw puzzle is proving it
Alias Travel Junior Game: think charades, but better. This game involves two teams and a fair bit of your best acting skills.
Sending a Smile with Santa
The Evening News and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (N&N) are teaming up to provide those in hospital with Christmas presents. With about 1,000 patients to make smile, we're looking for all the help we can get.
The scope of present donations we're looking for is vast, considering a person of any age can end up in hospital. Don't be afraid to donate more than just toys, like teething toys, toiletries and non-slip socks.
All gifts should be unwrapped and donated by December 10. There are several places where you can donate your present to the N&N.
Drop-off points have been set up at the N&N, Norwich Evening News offices at Prospect House on Rouen Road (reception open between 8am-6pm Monday to Friday), or at the following NatWest branches across Norfolk: Norwich (London Street, Boundary Road, St Stephen's), Wymondham, Diss, Cromer, North Walsham, Great Yarmouth, and Dereham.
There is also a drop-off point at the Co-operative travel branch in Cromer.
For more information, contact Louise Cook at 01603 287107.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here