An annual toy appeal which last year helped more than 1,000 children in the Hinckley area has launched its 2024 drive.
The Hinckley and Bosworth Christmas Toy and Food Appeal has been running since 2009 and has grown every year since its launch.
The appeal is a huge partnership effort between Leicestershire County Council’s Family Help Service, the Salvation Army, the Hinckley Area Food Bank, Work Link and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, as well as numerous other partners and supporters.
Each year, it provides hundreds of struggling families with toys and food vouchers, all thanks to the generosity of local groups, churches, businesses and members of the public.
Last year’s appeal was the biggest yet, with brand-new toys given to nearly 1,100 children. Around £17,000 in food vouchers also helped families in need, thanks to fundraising by Hinckley Area Foodbank.
This year, families helped launch the appeal at an event at Hinckley Salvation Army.
Councillor Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and family services, said: "The Hinckley and Bosworth Toy Appeal really is a phenomenal community effort that makes a real difference to children and families living in the area.
“We know that Christmas can be a time of increased financial pressure and not all families are able to celebrate in the same way.
"We’d like to say a huge thank you in advance to our partners and members of the public for their generous support and contributions.”
Donation bins will be located throughout Hinckley from Monday 7 October, where people who would like to do their bit to ensure a child gets a present on Christmas Day can drop off their gift of a brand-new toy, or new toiletries. The bins will also feature a QR code for the appeal’s Amazon wish list – donors can select a toy and order it to be sent directly to the organisers.
More information on how to donate to the appeal can be found on the Hinckley and Bosworth Family Hub Facebook page www.facebook.com/HinckleyBosworthCFWS
Any business, church, community group or charity which would like to join the growing number of supporters of the appeal can email HinckleyFamilyHubs@leics.gov.uk