Festive Toy Appeal which has helped thousands of children launches in Hinckley

Last year’s appeal was the biggest yet, with brand-new toys given to nearly 1,100 children.

An annual toy appeal that helped more than 1,000 children in the Hinckley area last year has launched its 2024 drive.

Each year, The Hinckley and Bosworth Christmas Toy and Food Appeal, provides hundreds of struggling families with toys and food vouchers, all thanks to the generosity of local groups, churches, businesses and members of the public.

Last year’s appeal was the biggest yet, with brand-new toys given to nearly 1,100 children. Around £17,000 in food vouchers also helped families in need, thanks to fundraising by Hinckley Area Foodbank.

The Hinckley and Bosworth Christmas Toy and Food Appeal has been running since 2009 and has grown every year since its launch.

The appeal is a huge partnership effort between Leicestershire County Council’s Family Help Service, the Salvation Army, the Hinckley Area Food Bank, Work Link and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, as well as numerous other partners and supporters.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and family services, said: "The Hinckley and Bosworth Toy Appeal really is a phenomenal community effort that makes a real difference to children and families living in the area.

“We know that Christmas can be a time of increased financial pressure and not all families are able to celebrate in the same way.

"We’d like to say a huge thank you in advance to our partners and members of the public for their generous support and contributions.”

Donation bins will be located throughout Hinckley from Monday 7 October, where people can drop off their gift of a brand-new toy, or new toiletries.

The bins will also feature a QR code for the appeal’s Amazon wish list – donors can select a toy and order it to be sent directly to the organisers.