Charity appeals for Christmas toy donations

Elaine Whitfield, who coordinates the appeal, says donations have not kept pace with demand

The organisers of an annual toy appeal in Redditch say they're in desperate need of more donations to make sure no child goes without, this Christmas.

Every year the Make Christmas Special Toy Appeal, run by the Redditch Mission Area group of churches and local charity Acts of Kindness, distributes presents to local families in need.

Last year, the appeal distributed gifts and toys to more than 600 local children - but demand this year is even higher.

"We've noticed year-on-year, there's an increase in need," said coordinator Elaine Whitfield. "We've received over 1,000 referrals this year."

Needy families, identified by local agencies including schools and social services, are given a voucher they can use to pick up a present for their children.

But Ms Whitfield said while demand had risen, there had been a shortfall in donations of gifts.

"We cover from birth to 18," she said. "It's really difficult to get gifts for [teenagers], but to be honest we are short of everything now."

The appeal's organisers have created a pop-up Christmas toy shop in a unit in the Kingfisher Centre

Ms Whitfield said every donation will make a difference.

"[Last year], there was a little boy who went in [to school] after Christmas, really really excited, and was telling the teacher how Father Christmas had been to him for the first time," she said.

"[One woman] had been considering [taking her own life]. And she received the voucher, which meant she could get toys for her children, and that prevented that."

This year, a shop unit in the Kingfisher Centre has been converted into a pop-up shop where families can pick up their presents.

"We try and make it as close to the shopping experience for the families as we possibly can," said Ms Whitfield.

"I think it's really important that the parents come in, they preserve their dignity and they can choose the gifts that suit their children.

"Let's make this Christmas a Christmas to remember for every child in Redditch."

Toys can be dropped off at St Stephen's Church or at the Kingfisher Centre's guest services counter.