Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 22 October 2023

AN ANNUAL toy appeal which helped over 900 children and almost 400 families last year have launched their 2023 drive – with hopes to be ‘bigger and better’ this year.

The Hinckley and Bosworth Christmas Toy and Food Appeal has been running for a total of 14 years, having first been established in 2009, and has continued to grow over the years since first being founded.

The appeal marks a ”huge” partnership effort between Leicestershire County Council’s Children and Family Wellbeing Service, The Salvation Army, and the Hinckley and Bosworth Food Bank, as well as numerous other partners and supporters.

Every year, thanks to the generosity of local businesses, churches, and members of the public, they help give hundreds of struggling families toys and food vouchers.

Last year’s appeal has marked the biggest yet, with brand new toys being handed out to 910 children, while food vouchers helped a total of 386 families who are in need.

This year’s appeal was launched at the Hinckley Fire Station on Friday, 13 October, which has supported the appeal with a very generous donation every year.

Partners, supporters, and families celebrated the success of the appeal and are hoping 2023 will top last year’s record for donations collected and given out.

Donation bins to help donate the appeal are located all throughout Hinckley, where people who want to do their bit to ensure a child gets a present on Christmas Day can drop off their gift of a brand new toy.

The bins feature a QR code for the appeal’s Amazon wish list, giving donors the option to select a toy and order it online, where it can be sent directly to the organisers.

Coun. Deborah Taylor, the county council’s cabinet member for children and family services, said: “We recognise that with the current cost of living increases, things are tougher than ever for many.

“For some families living in Hinckley and Bosworth, Christmas can be a time of increased financial and emotional pressure, where buying presents for their children, along with festive food to enjoy, is not something they are able to do.

“The Hinckley and Bosworth Toy and Food Appeal aims to ensure that all children living in the district have a gift at Christmas time, and extra support to buy food to celebrate with their families.

“I am delighted that once again, this wonderful appeal will be able to offer help and support to so many people, thanks to the generous support of our partners and members of the public.”

More information on how to donate to the appeal can be found on the Hinckley and Bosworth Children and Family Wellbeing Centre’s Facebook page.

Any business, church, community group, or charity, which would like to join the growing number of supporters if the appeal is asked to contact Laura Foster, by simply emailing laura.foster@leics.gov.uk to get involved.