Slough Children’s Services Trust has just launched its Christmas Toy Appeal to help disadvantaged families who might otherwise struggle to put presents under the tree for their children.
Every year, thanks to the incredible generosity of people and businesses across Slough, the Trust delivers hundreds of presents to the families of the children it supports. In many cases it is the only present the child will get.
This year the appeal has gained even more importance. When children’s lives and, perhaps more significantly, their futures have been so severely disrupted by the lockdown, Christmas is a chance to regain at least some sense of normality.
“In a year when we have had so much control removed from our lives, this is something you do have control over,” said Kirsty Demar, who coordinates the appeal at the Trust. “If you could support the appeal by adding just one extra gift to your Christmas shopping, you have the power to bring a smile to the face of a child on Christmas morning.”
The Toy Appeal is slightly different this year as some people may be reluctant to visit shops or the Trust’s offices to drop them off. Instead, the Trust has set up an online wish list which anyone can access, buy a gift and get it delivered directly to the team of social workers who will distribute them. The wish list can be accessed at www.sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk/toyappeal
This online wish list should not stop anyone from buying gifts independently and of course the Trust would encourage people to shop locally if you are able to do so. If you would like to buy a gift separate to the wish list then please email comms@sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk to arrange delivery.
This year has been challenging for all of us but as we approach Christmas, the season of giving, the season of goodwill and the season of hope, it is the perfect time to end on a positive note by showing kindness to those less fortunate.
