CHRSITMAS is fast approaching many people will be looking forward to spending time with family, over indulging on food and drink, and of course, exchanging gifts.
But for others, it is a time of worry as they struggle to make ends meet.
November 12 saw the launch of the Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal, which has been ensuring disadvantaged children in the borough receive presents for almost 30 years.
The appeal will run until December 15 and those involved are urging people to give generously this year with donations accepted at designated collection points across the town.
As well as individual donations, each year gifts come from the many schools that organise toy giving assemblies, churches hold toy services and businesses and staff groups join forces to donate gifts.
All the gifts are transferred from collection points to the Big Yellow Self Storage depot at Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells where they are sorted by dedicated volunteers.
Karen Collins, one of the organisers of the appeal said: “At Big Yellow we have around 20 volunteers working hard to make sure the children receive appropriate gifts that we know Father Christmas would approve of. Please help us by donating to the Appeal.”
He appeal for donations was echoed by Mayor David Neve, who said: “As a magical time of year draws ever closer the Mayoress and I would ask you to look back at your childhood and how you viewed Christmas. Was it with awe and wonder of what might occur and what gifts you might receive?
“Now as adults we know so many would love to give that magical experience to their youngsters but are unable to find a way to provide for it. This is why we hope that you will get behind our appeal and keep the magic alive for so many young people. Wealth is not a God-given right but hope for the future is. If you think you can make a little one smile then please contribute anything you can to the Mayor’s Toy Appeal this Christmas and help make a wish come true.”
Last year the Toy Appeal helped 205 children have a happier Christmas and those organising the appeal will hope to exceed that this year.
Toy appeal drop off points
Baldwin’s Travel Agency
Barsley’s Department Store, Paddock Wood
Big Yellow Self Storage, Longfield Road
Bowlplex, Knights Park
Kent & Sussex Courier
Notcutts Garden Centre, Pembury
Pembury Library (Closed Mondays)
Sainsbury’s Local, Mount Pleasant
Southborough Library (Closed Thursdays)
The Camden Centre
The Town Hall
Town & Country Housing, Monson Way
Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery
Tunbridge Wells Sport Centre
Weald Information Centre, Cranbrook
Weald Sports Centre, Cranbrook
Whirligig, Mount Pleasant
The Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal is pleased to receive new or as-new gifts for children of all ages including teenagers, but they politely request that cuddly toys are not donated.
