Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal returns

An appeal which has brought Christmas cheer to countless families is back.

The Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal, run by churches across Swindon, is returning for the eighth year in a row. 

Its aim is to bring a little hope and happiness to families who would find giving presents to their children very difficult without resorting to loans.

Donations of new toys can be made to points around town from 11 November to 1December.

In 2023, 27.5 percent of households with children under 18 in Swindon were living in poverty. 

Many schools, churches, businesses, and organisations got involved in the appeal last year, and 322 families were able to choose from thousands of new toys, stocking fillers, books and soft toys for over 620 children.

This year, churches, businesses, schools, and organisations will again be gathering donations of brand-new toys for children aged 0-17. Families will be nominated to receive presents by agencies, churches and schools across Swindon. 

The referred families will then receive a personalised voucher which they can redeem at churches around Swindon in the two weeks running up to Christmas.

Toy appeal coordinator Dawn Prosser said: “We are very grateful for all those behind the scenes who are ready and willing to give up the time and make it happen again.

“It takes a huge team, many toy donations and finance to make the toy appeal happen. Hopefully, we can ease the stress for many families again this year.”

All donatian point locations, toy suggestions, the giving page link and the sign-up page for volunteering can be found on the 'Swindontoyappeal' Facebook page and at www.gatewaychurchswindon.org.uk/toy-appeal