An annual toy appeal which last year helped more than 900 children and almost 400 families has launched its 2023 drive – and is hoping to be even bigger and better than last year.
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 Children and Family Wellbeing Service, the Salvation Army and the Hinckley and Bosworth Food Bank, 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 910 children and food vouchers helping 386 families in need.
The 2023 appeal was launched on Friday at Hinckley Fire Station, which has supported the appeal with a very generous donation every year. Partners, supporters and families celebrated the success of the appeal and are hoping 2023 will top last year’s record for donations collected and given out.
Donation bins are located throughout Hinckley, 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. The bins 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.
We recognise that with the current cost of living increases, things are tougher than ever for many. For some families living in Hinckley and Bosworth, Christmas can be a time of increased financial and emotional pressure, where buying presents for their children, along with festive food to enjoy, is not something they are able to do.
The Hinckley and Bosworth Toy and Food Appeal aims to ensure that all children living in the district have a gift at Christmas time, and extra support to buy food to celebrate with their families.
I am delighted that once again, this wonderful appeal will be able to offer help and support to so many people, thanks to the generous support of our partners and members of the public.
Person:Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and family services
More information on how to donate to the appeal can be found on the Hinckley and Bosworth Children and Family Wellbeing Centre’s Facebook page.
Any business, church, community group or charity which would like to join the growing number of supporters if the appeal is asked to contact Laura Foster on laura.foster@leics.gov.uk to get involved.