Christmas is coming and so, once again, it’s time for the Chronicle to run our successful annual NSPCC toy appeal, which helps local deprived children.
Once again, we will welcome donations of cash, and this year they will again be used to support the Childline. Donations of cash can be posted dropped into a our new reception on Market Square, Congleton.
As well as toys for all ages, the NSPCC stressed the need for educational toys or games for older children.
Toys can be dropped at our offices on Market Square, at Congleton Town Hall and at Boots on Barn Road. There will be collecting boxes for Childline at both the town hall and Boots.
There are many children for whom Christmas is not magical, but a nightmare: over Christmas, a child rings, texts or emails Childline nearly every two minutes. Some had been left alone by their parents; others in care or suffering the aftermath of a family breakdown waited in vain for the visit promised by one or other parent; some were caught up in domestic violence often caused by alcohol or drugs; some suffered sexual abuse; and a growing number were being bullied, with no way of escape, on their phones and in social media which can result in self-harm or suicide.
We are launching the appeal now so that the volunteers who sort, wrap and distribute the toys can do so in plenty of time for Christmas and Santa’s visits to needy children.
A spokesperson for the charity locally said: “It is a frightening statistic that last year, more than 7,000 children in distress phoned Childline over Christmas and New Year, and sadly there were 600 calls we did not have either the capacity nor manpower to answer.
“Each call costs the NSPCC £4, which would be more if we did not have such a wonderful band of very highly trained volunteers. “
All toys collected go to local children. As in previous years, the appeal can only accept new toys. We are collecting from now until 15th December. Our office on Market Square are open until about 2pm, and toys can also be dropped off at Congleton Town Hall and at Boots on Barn Road.
