A SUCCESSFUL toy appeal that has brightened the lives of hundreds of families across Swindon is returning for another year of festive cheer.

Churches across the town organise the Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal to bring a little hope and happiness to mums and dads who would find it difficult to afford presents for their children without resorting to taking out loans.

Last year, the Adver supported the charity's efforts by spreading the word and encouraging our kind and generous readers to donate gifts. The festive treats flooded in and contributed, along with several other schools, churches and businesses, to provide a total of a whopping 5,823 toys which were then given to 700 children from 265 families.

This was double the amount of children helped in 2019. While working within the safety guidance and restrictions put in place because of the pandemic, around 175 volunteers got involved to help sort, choose and deliver the presents in time for Christmas morning, like Swindonian Santa helpers.

Thanks to the overwhelming number of donations, each child received four main presents, a book, a soft toy and three stocking fillers.

As well as all this, the toy appeal received £10,000 through an online fundraising page.

The toy team hope to continue this amazing success for another year as it begins its fifth consecutive Christmas appeal.

From today through to Monday December 6, churches, businesses, schools, and organisations will be gathering donations of new toys for children aged 16 and under.

Families who will receive the donated presents will be nominated by agencies in Swindon and by participating churches or schools who will be compiling all the children’s wish lists.

Dawn Prosser is the Toy Appeal coordinator for Gateway Church. She said: "It’s a sad fact, but this year has been very difficult with many people struggling.

“We received referrals from one agency this week who had 92 children in need so any help with donations of toys or finance, sorting and choosing presents or delivering presents to the families would be amazing.”

This year, presents will again be delivered directly to the families. All donation point locations, toy suggestions, the fundraising page link and the sign-up page for volunteering is on www.gatewaychurchswindon.org.uk/toy-appeal

Businesses and organisations who would like to be a donation point for toys should email toyappeal@gcswindon.org.uk to be added to the list.