A festive toy appeal that brings joy to Swindon children is celebrating its fifth anniversary this Christmas, according to the Swindon Advertiser.
Reece Chaplin and his wife Stephanie started the Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal in 2020 after seeing the impact the Covid lockdown had on families unsure how to make ends meet at Christmas.
Since then, the appeal has raised £17,400 and helped 3,300 children in Swindon and surrounding areas, thanks to public donations and collaborations with local businesses.
Support from toy industry children’s charity, the Fence Club along with Smyths Toys, the Lazy Frog shop and others is also lending a helping hand.
“All our extra time is invested into making this appeal as good as it can be for the children, but none of it would be possible without the help we get from the community”
Mr Chaplin said: “A gift is not just a gift. It can play a pivotal role in deciding what a child wants to be when they’re older, or give them an escape from the realities of perhaps a challenging home life.
“Everyone goes through struggles so if we can do anything to help lift some of that pressure and strain, that is the greatest gift.”
The appeal uses donations to buy presents for children that may otherwise go without gifts on Christmas Day, as well as relying on the help of companies and other charities to make festive dreams come true.
A Santa’s Grotto at the McArthur Glen designer outlet has been set up to raise funds, and there is a donation point at Arlot Media for people to give toys. The Save On Tyres shop is also donating £1 for every Maxxis tyre sold.
Mr Chaplin said: “All our extra time is invested into making this appeal as good as it can be for the children, but none of it would be possible without the help we get from the community.”
Channel 5 will also be shining a spotlight on the appeal, which is set to feature as part of the channel’s coverage of people making a difference in their communities this Christmas.
Channel 5 will also be shining a spotlight on the appeal, which is set to feature as part of the channel’s coverage of people making a difference in their communities this Christmas.
The appeal is partnering with local charities to help share the giving spirit, including by helping refugee children in the area. Other partners include Wiltshire Treehouse, which helps children going through bereavement, and the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service.
