GENEROUS residents across Redditch borough have risen to the challenge for this year’s toy appeal, donating more than 3,100 items so children in struggling families have a present to open on Christmas Day.
An appeal was put out at the end of November with demand more than ever.
Last year’s drive saw 600 children receive presents but this year, referrals were made for 1,043 of all ages.
The appeal was backed by the Revitalise Redditch group of local churches, AOK, the town’s Acts of Kindness charity, and your Redditch Standard.
Eligible families were referred for the scheme by agencies, including The JobCentre, schools, the borough council and social services.
The recipients were given a voucher with a unique number on which they could exchange for a toy for Christmas.
Drop-off points were made available across the town centre and in Feckenham and Headless Cross.
Elaine Whitfield, warden at St Stephen’s Church, said: “As the dust settles on another incredible Make Christmas Special Toy Appeal, I wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.
“Your generosity and hard work have once again brought Christmas magic to hundreds of local children.
“To our amazing community, your incredible generosity overwhelmed us.
“Thanks to your kindness, we received a mountain of toys, ensuring that every child referred to us had a reason to smile on Christmas morning.”
Elaine has also thanked the ‘merry band of volunteers’, referral agencies and the businesses which supported the appeal and all the churches for working together so well.”
See below to read Elaine’s message in full.
Elaine is already seeking storage space ready for next year’s appeal and has urged any organisations or businesses which can help to get in touch.
The first meeting for the 2025 Toy Appeal will take place in the new year.
Email [email protected] to contact Elaine.
‘Thank you’ from the ‘Make Christmas Special Team’
“As the dust settles on another incredible Make Christmas Special Toy Appeal, I wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your generosity and hard work have once again brought Christmas magic to hundreds of local children.
“To our amazing community, your incredible generosity overwhelmed us. Thanks to your kindness, we received a mountain of toys, ensuring that every child referred to us had a reason to smile on Christmas morning.”
“To our merry band of volunteers, your dedication and tireless efforts in staffing our shop year on year are truly inspiring. We make a great team! You are the heart and soul of this operation, and your cheerful spirit makes the experience truly special for everyone involved.
“To our referral agencies, thank you for your trust and partnership. You are our vital link to families in need, ensuring that the right gifts reach the right children.
“To the businesses who supported our appeal, your contributions are invaluable. Your generosity helps us in every aspect of the appeal and ensures that every donated toy reaches a child in need.
“To all the churches who work together on this, your collaboration is a testament to the spirit of Christmas. Your shared commitment to this cause is truly remarkable.
“Because of all of you, we were able to provide gifts for an incredible 1043 children this year! That’s a staggering 3129 gifts bringing joy to families across our community.
“We are already making plans for Christmas 2025, and with the incredible amount of support we receive, we are anticipating an even greater need for our services. This is where you can help again! We are currently in need of storage space to house the wonderful donations we receive throughout the year. If you have any leads on suitable storage solutions, please do get in touch.
“Thank you once again from the bottom of our hearts. You have all played a part in making this Christmas truly special.
“With warmest wishes and heartfelt gratitude.”
The Make Christmas Special Team
