MOMENTUM is gathering around the Redditch Christmas Toy Appeal.
Last week we told how St Stephen’s Church and Redditch charity Acts of Kindness had united to bring some festive joy and presents to local families facing real hardship this Christmas.
Now the Kingfisher Shopping Centre has come onboard, offering an empty unit as a storage and distribution centre and their open office just inside the centre from Evesham Walk as a drop off point.
“We are absolutely delighted that the Kingfisher has made this generous offer,” said Elaine Whitfield, who is co-ordinating the appeal.
“Ideally we want people to start thinking about the sort of donation they can buy when they go shopping.
“Officially we’re not planning to open the actual drop off part of the appeal until November 27 but if someone want to make a donation now
all they need to do is call us on 07484 641016 or email [email protected].”
She stressed that the toys needed to be new and not secondhand to truly make Christmas special for those local families who are struggling to survive.
“We are determined to make this happen – St Stephen’s is at the hub of the town and we want to be absolutely in the thick of it,” she said.
And people are already rallying to the cause.
“Our appeal for an ‘admin angel’ to organise everything brought forth Sasha and she is absolutely fabulous.
“We could do with more volunteers though – a they need to do to get involved is give us a call or email us.”
The charity Acts of Kindness runs Redditch foodbank on Alcester Street and there is little doubt many Redditch families have been hit hard by rising fuel prices and the rising cost of living.
“We’re looking to run the appeal from now until December 16 to give us time to distribute the presents,” said Elaine.
“We’re also planning to go around the districts in our ‘toy bus’ doing collections for those who cannot get into the town centre.
“It’s all in the spirit of Christmas, and we will be announcing those days shortly.”
