Toybox Appeal launched online

Residents across Carmarthenshire are being asked to help make a child’s Christmas by donating online to those less fortunate.

The message comes as Carmarthenshire County Council launches the tenth Toybox Appeal which helps hundreds of children with families who can’t afford to buy gifts or toys.

Because of Covid-19 this year the appeal is for financial donations only, and the money will be spent locally on toys and gifts.

Gifts will be bought out of the money donated by kind people and given to families who, for a range of reasons, are not able to give their children a Christmas that most of us take for granted.

Schools, family centres and youth workers identify those who are in greatest need of support.

Last year, over 6,200 gifts were donated to 1045 children from birth to teenagers.

Council staff will purchase, wrap and deliver toys in the run-up to Christmas.

The council’s executive board member responsible for the Toybox Appeal, Cllr Mair Stephens said: “Many can’t afford to buy gifts or toys for their children, now more than ever with the Coronavirus pandemic many people will be struggling financially and will be desperate.  The annual Christmas Toy Box Appeal has ensured that local children, who might otherwise receive nothing or very little, are given a gift at Christmas. Please spare a thought for those less fortunate families, and donate to the online Christmas appeal. Every donation will make a difference for those families for which otherwise Christmas would otherwise be just another day! Let’s put a smile on a lot more faces this Christmas by being generous to those less fortunate across the county.”

You can also send your contributions (cheques payable to Carmarthenshire County Council) to Building 2, St David’s Park, Job’s Well Road, Carmarthen SA31 3HB, or telephone 01267 246657 if you have a cash donation.