Cake sale Christmas toy appeal gets a boost
AN annual toy appeal for disadvantaged children in Bristol at Christmas has received a boost – from cake-loving staff at the Bristol Post.
The appeal, which has been running for more than 10 years, sees businesses across the city – including the Bristol Post office – set up collection points where people can drop off gifts.
And staff at the Post have been busy doing their bit to support the appeal, organising a cake sale.
Staff from across all departments got busy in the kitchen, cooking up treats from cup cakes to brownies and shortbread to enjoy.
The cakes were sold, raising £160 for the appeal which was spent on toys and gifts.
Staff and their families and friends have also supported the appeal by donating goodies.
The cake sale was organised by Post reception staff Julie Rigg and Trina Williams who went out shopping for the gifts with the money raised.
Julie said: “The cake sale was a huge success and so many staff got involved and cooked up a lovely array of treats.
“We got some super presents for the appeal which we hope the children will enjoy this Christmas.”
The appeal is run as part of the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal which raises £66,000 each year to help 1,650 disadvantaged families across the city.
Each family receives £40 in vouchers to spend on clothes, gifts and food for Christmas.
The toys are also handed out to families struggling during the festive season to ensure youngsters have gifts to open on Christmas morning.
Last year generous Bristolians donated hundreds of gifts to put a smile on the face of local children.
Chairman of the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal Bruce Simmonds said: “While many of us will be enjoying all the festivities of the Christmas season there are families across the city who are facing real hardship.
“It is these families which the toy appeal is here to help.
“We are asking the people of Bristol, when they are out Christmas shopping, to think of the appeal and pop an extra gift on their list. For a child who does not have much, having a gift to open on Christmas morning will be very special.”
Toys are collected for children aged 16 and under.
Mr Simmonds said: “We are appealing for a wide range of gifts that will suit a variety of ages from toddlers to teenagers.
“The people of Bristol have been incredibly generous in supporting the appeal in the past and we very much hope they will get behind us again in 2018.”
A collection point has been set up in the foyer of the Bristol Post office at Temple Way for people to leave their donations.
The appeal runs until Tuesday, December 18 when the toys will be collected and distributed.
People can also donate to the Lord Mayor’s Children Appeal at https://www.lordmayorofbristolappeal.com.