Carmarthenshire Council launches annual Christmas Toybox Appeal
The council says the toybox appeal this year is going to be more important than ever
Carmarthenshire Council has launched its annual Christmas Toybox Appeal.
The appeal, now in its 12th year, helps hundreds of children with families who can’t afford to buy toys or gifts.
Last year saw the local authority help more families than ever who were struggling financially with more than 7,700 gifts distributed to 1,287 children.
This year during these unprecedented times the appeal relies on support more than ever.
The appeal was launched online for the first time in 2020 following the coronavirus pandemic and people were asked to make a financial donation instead of buying gifts and toys.
This year people can either give a financial donation or drop off gifts from games and arts and craft items to toiletry gift sets for all ages - from 18 months up to teenagers, at one of a number of collection points around the county.
Schools, family centres and youth workers identify those who are in greatest need of support and council staff will distribute them in the run-up to Christmas.
The council’s executive board member responsible for the Toybox Appeal, Cllr Linda Evans said: “I am proud to be following on from the legacy of Cllr Mair Stephens who sadly passed away earlier this year.
"The toybox appeal this year is going to be more important than ever.
"We have always had fantastic support and this year we hope this will continue to ensure that hundreds of children will receive a Christmas gift.
"We know times are hard, but if people are able to spare a gift or a donation no matter how big or small, it will make a great difference to those families less fortunate.”
People can make a financial donation online on the Carmarthenshire Council website here.
Anyone with cash or cheque donation are asked to call the council on 01267 246504.
Donations are being taken up until November 30 and toy collection points are at the following locations:
- Carmarthen Hwb, St Catherine's Walk (Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm)
- Building 2, St David's Park, Carmarthen (Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm)
- County Hall, Carmarthen (Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm)
- Llanelli Hwb, Stepney Street (Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm)
- Ammanford Hwb, Quay Street (Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm)
- Cwmaman Community Centre, (Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm)
- Hengwrt, Llandeilo. (Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5pm)
- Llandovery Youth and Community Centre, (Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4pm)
- Kidwelly Town Council (Monday - Thursday 9am - 1pm; Friday 9am - 12pm)
- Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre (Monday - Friday 7.30am - 9.30pm; Saturday & Sunday 7.30am - 2pm)
- St Clears Leisure Centre (Monday - Friday 7.30am - 9.30pm; Saturday & Sunday 7.30am - 2pm)
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