Toy appeal set to spread festive joy among families
THE Women of Whitworth Project launched a toy appeal in November with the aim of helping families across Whitworth in the build up to Christmas.
Generous donations from local businesses, residents, and other organisations in the community means the original target was exceeded, and every child in the area will receive a gift from the appeal.
Toys, hats, and gloves will be delivered to local primary schools, where they will be quarantined for 72 hours before they are given to the children. Whitworth Playgroup and all childminder children in the area will also receive gifts.
Kimberley Ashworth, founder of The Women of Whitworth Project, wanted to support local families after the difficult year many of them had faced.
“The pandemic has been horrendous for so many people, so we asked what we could do to recognise children and families, and give them a bit of help in the run up to Christmas,” she said.
“Initially we were just going to give to the families who had children receiving free school meals.
“But we were guided by the schools in that all children have been affected by the pandemic this year.”
The appeal aimed to give a gift to all the children in the area who fall into the primary school age bracket, but the high number of donations means gifts will also be given to families with younger children, and other community projects in Rossendale working to a similar goal.
Among those to donate were Rochdale F.C, who generously gave around £200 worth of toys to the appeal.
Captain Eoghan O’Connell said the club was keen to support the cause.
“We know that there are many Dale fans living in the area, so after hearing about ‘The Women of Whitworth’s One Community Christmas Appeal’ we really wanted to get involved and help,” he said. What the volunteers are doing is truly amazing.
“It’s heart-warming to know that every primary school child in Whitworth will receive a Christmas present this year, thanks to their kindness.”
The volunteers gave a special mention to sixyear-old Leo Poulter, who has collected a total of 820 selection boxes for the appeal. With the help of his mum Sam, Leo raised awareness for the cause through social media posts and an interview with local radio. Sam Poulter said: “With the help of friends, family, strangers, and local businesses, we have raised a huge number of selection boxes, smashing Leo’s original target of 300.”
She added: “Leo has been overwhelmed by people’s kindness and we are so proud of his achievement. After he heard that families were finding times hard at the moment, he just wanted to help, and he has really enjoyed getting involved with the appeal.”