Rochdale Borough Council is now collecting donations to this year’s Christmas Toy Appeal, to help children less fortunate this December 25.
The annual appeal, organised by the council’s staff-run ‘Giving Back’ charity for the past nine years, is accepting donations for local kids until December 13.
Councillor Rachel Massey said: “Our appeal helps to provide local children and families with gifts on Christmas day who would otherwise likely go without. Sadly our Christmas Toy Appeal is needed more than ever, with the cost of living crisis impacting so many.
“The requests for help we have already received reflect the daily challenges that many children and young people are facing. Every year we see so much heart-warming generosity – if you can buy at least one extra present, you’ll really bring some joy to a local young person.”
Donate an unwrapped gift
To help, all you need to do is donate an unwrapped, new gift suitable for a child up to age leave it at a library in Rochdale or Your Trust leisure centre by December 13.
There are also extra collection points open at the Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure destination (management office on first floor) The Beach pub in Littleborough and Rochdale Football Club.
Gifts for babies and teenagers are especially welcome as fewer were received for these age groups last year.
Council staff, who distributed over 5,000 toys last year, will make sure they reach the borough’s less fortunate children in time for Christmas Day. Toys are matched with the age and interests of the recipient. Since 2014 the appeal has provided much needed festive cheer for thousands of children and teenagers.
Council policy advisor Helen Walton, from the Giving Back charity, added: “Every donation we receive goes to a child who would otherwise be likely not to have any presents to unwrap on Christmas Day. The appeal depends on the generosity of people and businesses in our borough, and every year I am so proud of how many care enough to donate. Together we can make a difference for the borough’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children at a time when it is most needed.”
As Christmas raises awareness of the excess and waste created, once again organisers are asking people to consider donating a more environmentally friendly gift and support local shops where they can.
You can also order a gift online and send it straight to the appeal. The address is: Giving Back – Christmas Toy Appeal, Rochdale Borough Council, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU.
Businesses and organisations have already stepped up to support the appeal, including JGM Agency, Hunter Price, Rochdale Football Club and Rochdale Riverside.
If your business can support the appeal, contact the team: [email protected]
