Overwhelming response to Toy Bank appeal

By timesecholife on in All News, Community News

The organisers of a new toy donation initiative say they have been “overwhelmed” by the initial response from the community. Last month, we reported that the Cheadle Toy Bank Appeal had been set up by Cheadle councillors Jamie Evans and Liz Whitehouse, with the aim of making sure that vulnerable children in the area have a good Christmas this year.

The organisers of a new toy donation initiative say they have been “overwhelmed” by the initial response from the community.

Last month, we reported that the Cheadle Toy Bank Appeal had been set up by Cheadle councillors Jamie Evans and Liz Whitehouse, with the aim of making sure that vulnerable children in the area have a good Christmas this year.

Several businesses across Cheadle have been acting as drop-off points for donations of new or used toys and hundreds of items have already been donated in just a few weeks.

Jamie told the Times & Echo: “We have been overwhelmed by the response so far. We have had hundreds of toys donated – both new and used.

“Some people have even been out to buy toys especially for it.

“We are absolutely amazed by the response and we can not thank everyone enough.

“People are struggling themselves at the moment but are still supporting their community.”

Once all the donated toys are all wrapped up, they are set to be handed over to a local women’s refuge, and also some to Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands, both organisations which will be able to identify vulnerable children to receive the gifts.

Jamie added: “We would also like to hear from any individual families in our area who may be struggling this Christmas so that we can donate gifts to their children too.

“They can contact us by private message through the Cheadle Toy Bank Facebook page.

“None of us know what Christmas is going to be like this year, but this will help put smiles on some families faces.”

Oakamoor residents Leslie and Sonya Kirkland are just some of those who have generously donated to the Cheadle Toy Bank.

They even dressed as Mr and Mrs Claus when they delivered their donations to Cheadle PC Repairs recently.

Leslie said: “We donated around 30 to 40 items. We had gone to car boots, before the lockdown, to see what we could buy for the cause there.

“We thought that we would help because of what is going on.

“I came from a broken home so I know what it’s like to have nothing for Christmas.

“We will also be taking selection boxes to the Cheadle Food Bank soon as the Foodbank was there for us once.”

Due to the current Covid-19 lockdown, there has been an update on the drop-off points for Cheadle Toy Bank. They are now: The back of Redeezine, off Bank Street opposite Alistairs Hairdressers. Cheadle PC Repairs, 57 High Street, Cheadle. Check thier Facebook page for opening times. Kenrals, 43 – 45 High Street, Cheadle. Who will also take donations over the phone. Call 01538 755371. Bargain Booze, 14 High Street, Cheadle. There are also a number of other drop-off points listed on the Cheadle Toy Bank Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cheadletoybank.

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