It's not too late to get involved in this year's Christmas Toy Appeal. Help make sure local children have a gift to open this Christmas.
Rochdale Borough Council are seeking donations to this year's Christmas Toy Appeal, which helps make sure local children living in poverty have presents to open on 25 December 2020.
The annual appeal, organised by the council's staff-run 'Giving Back' charity, is still accepting donations.
They are asking those that are able to, to buy an extra gift this year to donate to this great cause. The toy/gift must be new and unwrapped, and suitable for a child between 0-16 years-old.
We're delighted to announce that our players were very keen to get involved with this year's appeal and they've all purchased a gift of two to donate. We'll bring you more on this story later in the week.
Due to national coronavirus restrictions, the normal drop off points aren’t open this year so you are being asked to post your gift, or order online and have it delivered straight to the appeal, by Friday 4 December 2020.
The address is:
Giving Back - Christmas Toy Appeal
Rochdale Borough Council
Number One Riverside
Smith Street
Rochdale OL16 1XU.
Council staff, who distributed over 2,500 toys last year, will make sure they reach the borough's less fortunate children in time for Christmas Day. Since 2015 the appeal has provided much needed festive cheer for thousands of children and teenagers.
Council policy advisor Helen Walton, from the Giving Back charity, said: "This appeal depends entirely on the generosity of people and businesses in our borough, and every year it is heart-warming to see how many care enough to take part and donate. This year has been like no other, and we know through our work with food banks and in the community that the day to day challenges felt by many local families have only got tougher as a result of the pandemic. It can be a time of real pressure and hardship, making Christmas a struggle for many reasons. I still want to make sure that every child in the borough wakes up on Christmas morning with a present waiting for them and with your help we will do everything in our power to make this happen. We'll ensure all gifts go to very worthwhile homes locally and I know from experience how much joy your thoughtful gifts will bring."