A MAJOR appeal has been launched in Redditch to bring a little joy this Christmas.
It comes at a time of real hardship for many local families and the fear is there could be Redditch households where this year circumstances conspire to mean there are no presents and no Christmas spirit.
In previous years the Redditch Christmas Toy Appeal has helped more than 600 local children have a happy Christmas.
Now the aim of the team at St Stephen’s Church and the charity Acts of Kindness is to ensure every family experiences the joy of Christmas in 2021.
And the Redditch Standard is backing their appeal.
“The Christmas Toy Appeal is a wonderful opportunity for church and community to work together to bring a smile to the face of a child this Christmas,” said Elaine Whitfield from St Stephen’s.
“This year Acts of Kindness is joining forces with St Stephen’s Church to launch our annual Christmas Toy Appeal.
“We believe every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas.
“We provide toys to children, regardless of race, religion and gender, as long as they are referred via a social worker, a school, a food bank or a women’s refuge. There’s lots to do and we need your help!”
Elaine said there are many ways people could be part of the team: “When you go Christmas shopping you can buy a toy for a child who would otherwise not receive a present or you can make a donation to Acts of Kindness and we will buy toys or gift vouchers.”
They are also appealing for an army of volunteers to help sort, collect and receive toys and donations at the distribution and collection points.
The team are also appealing for a storage and distribution centre and a ‘Christmas Angel’ with excellent project management/admin skills to keep everything on track, working from St Stephens Church.
Anyone who would like to volunteer is urged call 07484 641016 or email [email protected]
To make a donation to Acts of Kindness, which also runs the town’s food bank, visit: https://aokuk.org.uk/.
Drop off points for toys will be announced shortly.
“Without your support the Christmas Toy Appeal cannot happen so please help us bring a little hope and happiness to local families living in desperate need, so that they can have presents to wake up to on Christmas morning,” said Elaine.
