We are proud to announce that Rochdale Football Club and Rochdale AFC Community Trust are official partners of this year’s Rochdale Borough Council Christmas Toy Appeal.
The annual appeal, now in its eighth year, is organised by the council's staff-run 'Giving Back' charity, which helps make sure that local children who are less fortunate have presents to open on Christmas Day.
Donations are now being taken and will be accepted until Friday 10th December 2021.
Are part of our support for the appeal, a drop off point has been set up at the Crown Oil Arena. If you’d like to donate any toys or gifts, you can do so at the Rochdale AFC Community Trust Offices and we will deliver them to Rochdale Council.
In addition, we’re pleased to announce that Council representatives and volunteers will be at our game against Exeter City on Saturday 27th November to collect toys. So, if you can’t make it to the club in the week, you’ll be able to drop-off at this game. You’ll see the representatives and volunteers around the ground with the Community Trust’s yellow wheelie bins.
Councillor Rachel Massey (pictured above), cabinet member for children's services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Last year we were blown away by the response from people and businesses in what was already a really difficult year.
“We always try and beat the previous year and sadly that's because the need is there. People's generosity to the toy appeal goes a long way, we know it's a challenging time for many but if you can buy an extra present then you'll really bring some festive joy to a local young person.”
WHAT/ HOW TO DONATE
All gifts go to local homes that need them the most.
If you can help, all you need to do is donate an unwrapped, new gift suitable for a child up to 16 years old and leave it at the Rochdale AFC Community Trust Office, your local library or Your Trust leisure centre by Friday, 10 December 2021.
Gifts for babies and teenagers would be especially welcome as fewer were received for these age groups last year.
You can also order a gift online and send it straight to the appeal. The address is:
Giving Back – Christmas Toy Appeal
Number One Riverside
Smith Street
Rochdale OL16 1XU
Council staff, who distributed a record 6,000 toys last year, will make sure they reach the borough's less fortunate children in time for Christmas Day.
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, said: "The Christmas Toy Appeal is a way of spreading a little festive magic, ensuring children who have had the hardest of years have a gift to open, taking the pressure off their parents. It depends 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. We know through our work with food banks and in the community that the day to day challenges felt by many local families only got tougher as a result of the pandemic and for many it will again be a grim time.
"Christmas will be a struggle for thousands of families but we still want to make sure that every child in the borough wakes up on Christmas morning with presents waiting for them and with your help we will do everything we can to make this happen. We ensure all gifts go to local homes who need them most and I know from experience how much joy your thoughtful gifts will bring."
The appeal is organised by the council's 'Giving Back' charity in partnership with Action Together, Rochdale Football Club, Your Trust, Petrus and Rochdale Town Centre Management.