Chiltern Toy Bank has praised the ‘overwhelming’ support they received to help struggling families this year.
The Chiltern Toy Bank and its ‘toy elf’ volunteers rushed to help hundreds of families this year to make sure no child goes without a Christmas present.
Now the small charity has praised “overwhelming” support after receiving hundreds of second-hand and bran new toy donations, and help from residents and businesses, including the Wycombe Wanderers Foundation, The Entertainer, EMG Live, Chesham Grammar School and Biffa, to deliver the Christmas aid.
Chiltern Toy Bank chairperson Samantha Horsman said: “The response was overwhelming this year. We received hundreds of toys, games and puzzles, many of them brand new, as well as well loved and cared for second hand items.
“As we anticipated, demand for our support this year was high.
“Many families registered with us for the first time this year, explaining that the increased cost of living of a huge part of why people felt they could not afford Christmas in 2022. We also supported a number of Ukrainian families who are living with host families in the local area.”
This year, Toy Bank helped 260 families compared to 210 in 2021. A total of 550 children around Chesham and Amersham received help this year – up from 435 last year.
Samantha continued: “We also supported Aylesbury Foodbank, providing toys for their families as part of their food parcels, and a Baby Bank towards Harrow, who had around 400 children registered with them for support.
“As a small and specific charity we are focussed on the Christmas period.
“However we do give our leftover toys to likeminded charities, like the Baby Bank, nurseries and schools throughout the year where it can be of use. If people contact us for help we try and do our best to put those people in touch with other year-round charities that can support them. There are other organisations such as Inspire Bucks, who operate all year and will be looking for support from the community to keep their projects going and those most in need supported.”
After an intense period, the toy bank elves were now taking a “well-earned” break.
In the new year, the organisers need to find a new storage facility because the current warehouse will be demolished in 2023, Samantha said.
“Anyone with contacts or warehousing spaces that may be able to help can get in touch with our Trustees through info@chilterntoybank.org.
“We will also be speaking with the Clare Foundation and other similar organisations to see how we can collaborate more in the year, and particularly next Christmas, to ensure everyone knows about the support Chiltern Toy Bank can provide and our toys and gifts can get into the hands of those who need it most, children,” Samantha added.
Nurseries, youth groups and schools in need of toys can also get in touch.
Anyone wishing to donate money for the new storage facility can do so here.
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