Last Christmas, we took part in the annual Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal.
After a hugely successful appeal, we've received an update from the charity on the final outcome of the appeal.
Quoting the letter, this year:
- 5,823 toys were donated - at least triple the number from 2019 at last count (not including what was bought using funds from the giving page and the thousands of stocking fillers!).
- £10,900 was donated through our giving page which we were able to put towards buying presents for specific age categories where fewer donations were received.
- 700 children, from 265 families, received presents (again, double that of 2019).
- Each child was given a complete gift sack, including 4 main presents, a book, soft toy and 3 stocking fillers.
- 1 in 2 families also received a food hamper, prepared by Pattern Church, and delivered as part of the Toy Appeal. This was made possible thanks to donations from Tescos, Swindon Night Shelter and Swindon Food Collective.
- And, even after all of this, we've still had toys leftover to be able to support schools and local organisations during this new lockdown.
We're so proud to have been a part of this amazing initiative, especially during a year as difficult as this.
Thank you to everyone who got involved, you've made us proud!