HILLINGDON families affected by domestic abuse had their Christmas transformed by the Hasbro Smiles Project.

Hestia, a charity which is also the largest provider of refuges in London, this week thanked Hasbro UK for cheering up families at the Hillingdon refuge.

Hestia helps more than 500 victims every day across its 36 London refuges, and the relationship between toy-maker Hasbro, based at Stockley Park, and the charity goes back many years.

Hasbro UK not only donate toys and games for the families who have escaped domestic abuse, but a team of employees also gives up its time to decorate communal areas of the refuge.

Patrick Ryan, chief executive of Hestia, said: “It is great that companies like Hasbro want to be actively involved in their local communities and make a real difference to people going through tough times.

“We are extremely grateful for the support Hasbro continues to show to those escaping lives of abuse.”

The Smiles Project involves a day in December when Hasbro arranges a fun day out for the mums and children.

While the residents are out, the team transforms the house with decorations, Christmas trees and huge boxes full of gifts for each mother and child.

Mr Ryan said: “When the families return to the refuge, they are always surprised and delighted by this act of kindness.”

Hasbro also puts food in the kitchen, smaller gifts under one of the Christmas trees and toiletries in the bathrooms.