Tis the season for giving with launch of Mayor’s Toy Appeal

Now with a new home inside Royal Victoria Place and with more volunteers on-board, organisers are left with the sizeable challenge of appealing for gifts.

Last year 1,500 presents were distributed across the borough, helping around 500 disadvantaged youngsters aged 0-17 who may not otherwise have received a gift.

Mayor Len Horwood is backing the scheme, which has been operating since 1989, and invites residents to donate presents at drop-off points for collection.

Karen Collins, Toy Appeal coordinator, said: “We are now up and running, so we are asking the public to donate toys. I am happy to be getting started.”

Children are given three major presents inside a sack, which is topped up with smaller stocking fillers. Gifts can be dropped off until December 12 at various points around town [see panel].

For the first time Royal Victoria Place will be the base for the appeal, after a Times publicised their need for a larger venue than they previously had inside The Big Yellow Self Storage Company.

“The appeal for help has been a huge success as new volunteers have joined and a site inside Royal Victoria Place has been secured,” she continued.

“Thanks to the Times we are now in situ inside the shopping centre.

“Today [at the launch] we have been handing out leaflets and it has been another success. Businesses have got involved and we received a cash donation.

“I think next year we are going to put posters and leaflets around the town.”

Mayor Horwood thanked Mrs Collins for her work and echoed her call for residents to be generous.

“Please help by donating gifts to the children and teenagers in the area who are in need,” he said.

Gifts should not be used, soft toys, weapon-type toys or candles.

For gift ideas and an Amazon wishlist, visit: http://www.twmta.co.uk/

Drop-off points around Tunbridge Wells – which are available from Saturday [November 10]

Big Yellow Self Storage Company, Longfield Road [Tunbridge Wells, unless stated]

Baldwins Travel Group, Grosvenor Road

Sainsbury’s Local, Mount Pleasant

The Camden Centre, Market Square

The Town Hall, Civic Way

Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery, Civic Way

Trinity Theatre, Church Road

The Sports Centre, St John’s Road

Whirligig Toys, Mount Pleasant Road

Pembury Library, Henwood Green Road (closed Mondays)

Southborough Library, Yew Tree Road (closed Thursdays) 

Weald Information Centre [Cranbrook]

Barsley’s Department Store [Paddock Wood]