The Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal has returned to spread more joy to families in need around town.
Over the last three years, generous Swindonians have donated more than £10,000 to Reece and Stephanie Chaplin’s fundraiser to provide gifts for 2,550 children who might otherwise have gone without.
Stephanie said: “‘I often think about those at Christmas that struggle and the children that wake up on Christmas Day with nothing and how awful it must feel for those struggling families.”
The couple came up with the idea after seeing social media posts from people seeking help during the first lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Stephanie added: “I just decided I want to do something and help where I can, and this little idea is now in its fourth year and I couldn’t be happier with the success and want to keep helping those who need it most in our community.”
Families - including refugees, those affected by domestic violence, and those living in poverty - are referred through schools and charitable organisations to benefit from this heartfelt initiative.
Warren Cook, the manager of Save On Tyres, hosts an annual fundraising event supporting the appeal. The company will donate £1 from every Maxxis tyre sold between November 20 - December 7.
He said: “We are so pleased to be able to support this appeal for a fourth year running. Being a family business, Christmas is such a special time to us and we feel honoured to be able to raise money for this great cause.
“Christmas can be hard for lots of families, so it brings us joy to know we will be putting a smile on lots of children’s faces this year.”
Martin Brett, the managing director of Emerald Windows and Doors will be donating again for the third year in a row.
He said: ‘We are proud to be supporting this fantastic initiative again. The invaluable work that Reece and Steph do has proven year after year to have a massive impact on the less fortunate children in our local community.
‘As a local, family-run company, it is really important that we contribute towards this and spread the word to help make a difference. We urge all members of the community to take the time to read what the Christmas Appeal has achieved over the last four years and donate where possible.
“Together we can light up the faces of children in need with the joy of receiving a special gift this Christmas.”
To donate to the appeal visit: https://gofund.me/91c64374
Swindon’s Designer Outlet has created a toy donation area near the West Entrance for people to give new, unwrapped presents to those in need. that looks like Santa’s factory going into a big present, customers will be able to donate new, unwrapped gifts to those who need extra joy this Christmas.
Centre manager, Tina Cumpstey, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our community initiative for local families with our Toy Donation Appeal.
“We are excited to be working in collaboration with The Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal and look forward to helping raise even more this year".
Roves Farm has established donation points at their Farm Shop & Café, Guys Barber's is pledging a percentage of each haircut towards the cause. Gustoso and Lazy Frog Swindon will be donating to the cause, and the RAF Charitable Trust is giving away family tickets to the Royal International Air Tattoo airshow.
Reece and Steph will purchase the gifts from Smyths Toys in Greenbridge Retail Park.
Smyths will give back a percentage of the appeal’s toy shop to go towards more gifts.
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