Christmas toy appeal in Newbury launches today (Monday)
The sixth annual West Berkshire Christmas Toy appeal gets underway in the Broadway
WEST Berkshire's annual appeal for Christmas toys is to be launched in Newbury today (Monday), aiming to make sure no local children or young people go without a gift this Christmas.
The appeal, in its sixth year, is run by the Newbury Weekly News, Swift Couriers, Apple Print and Newbury Sound, in conjunction with West Berkshire Council's children's services.
Starting the ball rolling with a toy donation at the launch of the appeal, outside Broadway House near the Clocktower in Northbrook Street at 12.30pm , will be dignitaries including the mayor of Newbury, Jeff Beck; mayor of Hungerford, Martin Crane (to be confirmed) and Thatcham mayor Lee Dillon.
Newbury MP Richard Benyon has said he is unable to attend but will be sending a gift, while others due to attend and make a donation include: the chairman of West Berkshire Council, Peter Argyle; Julian May, on behalf of Greenham Common Trust; and Garry Poulson for the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire.
Karen Smith, on behalf of Newbury Building Society, and representatives from both Newbury's Parkway and Kennet Shopping centres are also due to attend.
Donations wanted include new and unwrapped toys, games and gifts, suitable for boys and girls from newborn to age 19 plus. Alternatively, people can give £10 gift vouchers to spend at local shops. All donations must be given to the various collection points (listed below) prior to December 22.
“Whilst some of us are gasping at the amount we are spending, or the amount our kids hope we are going to stretch to, there are families on very low incomes, in debt, homeless, awaiting benefit determination, or living in a refuge, who will find it very hard this year to give their children any toys at all.” said Yvette Jones, West Berkshire Christmas Toy Appeal co-ordinator, adding: “And there are teenagers unable to live at home, and young people who do not have parents, or family here in the UK - living in hostels, bed-sits, rooms or even homeless, who will also have a pretty grim festive season unless we all rally round.”
The various collection points in West Berkshire can be found at the following places:
Newbury Sound offices in Hambridge Lane
Apple Print offices in Faraday Road
Swift offices in Hambridge Lane
Council offices in Market Street, Newbury
Co-op Thatcham Broadway
Tesco Stores in Pinchington Lane and A4, Newbury, and Hungerford
Sainsbury's – Newbury
Camp Hopson department store
Budgens – Wash Common
Parkway Sales office in Northbrook Street, Newbury
Newbury Building Society – Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford offices
Newbury, Hungerford, Thatcham and Theale Libraries
Hungerford Leisure Centre
All children's Centres in West Berkshire
Kennet Centre
Debenhams in the new Parkway development
