Co-op customers urged to back festive appeal
CENTRAL England Co-op has launched its first ever Christmas Toybox Appeal to make sure as many children as possible have a gift to open this festive season.
Running throughout the month of November, customers and members are being urged to donate a present or stocking filler at special donation points located in all 244 stores across 16 counties.
Gifts will then be distributed to families who might not otherwise be able to afford to put presents under the tree for their children via local charities, community groups and food banks as well as major hospitals and hospices.
Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op Chief Executive, said: “We are a community retailer that is building on the success of our annual food bank campaigns by making sure that as many children as possible across the country wake up on Christmas morning with a present waiting for them.
“This is why I am delighted to announce our Christmas Toybox Appeal, which we hope will see our customers and members donate thousands of toys and help us all bring a little bit of magic of the festive season to life for youngsters who really don’t have a lot.
“We are working with some truly inspiring local good causes and charities who will ensure all of these donations will end up with children who need them most.
“This Christmas please visit our food stores, funeral homes, travel shops or florists, donate a new present and help us give a child a gift they with love.”
The Christmas Toybox Appeal donation points will be in stores from November 1 to November 28.
Items that can be donated have to be new, unwrapped and can include puzzles, games, soft toys, outdoor toys, books, dolls/figures, CDs/DVDs and art materials.
The major organisations being supported include Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough.