The annual Isle of Wight Christmas Toy Appeal officially launches tomorrow (Friday 13th November).
Founded in 2012 by Deborah and Daniel Rooke, the appeal invites Islanders to donate brand new toys for children to the age of 16 between now and 11th December.
Last year, Islanders donated a whopping 3,619 gifts, smashing the 2,500 target. Some people preferred to donate cash which was donated to The Women’s Refuge and Yarborough House in Sandown.
Making Christmas special for every child on the Isle of Wight
Deborah Rooke said,
“For some children Christmas can be a difficult time, this may be for a variety of reasons such as sickness, bereavement or another crisis in their lives; perhaps their family just can’t afford presents this year. Whatever the reason, the Isle of Wight Toy Appeal want to make Christmas special for every child on the Isle of Wight.
“We have been humbled by the Island’s reaction in past years and hope that this year we can make it happen again.”
Drop off points
Official Isle of Wight Toy Appeal drop off points can be found in the following locations:
The toys donated should be brand new, suitable up to the age of 16 and unwrapped.
Newport:
Isle of Wight Radio HQ
Isle of Wight County Press HQ
The Entertainer
Mothercare
Argos
Morrisons
Shanklin:
Toymaster
Ryde:
Tesco Extra
Toymaster
Co-op
Freshwater:
West Wight Sports Centre
Co-op, Freshwater
Cowes:
Charlotte’s Academy
Aldi
Lake:
Morrisons
All ISLAND WightLink and Red Funnel Ferry Terminals
Branches of Watson Bull & Porter
Testimonials from previous years
“I would just like to say a very big thank you for all the lovely presents donated to the children who attend Beaulieu House. I know that all the gifts were gratefully received by all and would just like to thank you all from the staff and children. It means a lot”. – Beaulieu House
“It’s nice to have help and support especially at Christmas being a young family. My son’s birthday is also close to Christmas and the car has failed its MOT”. – Parent from Children’s Centre
“We are so amazed and delighted by our fantastic delivery of toys for the Children’s Ward from the Isle of Wight Toy Appeal! We can’t thank those that gave to the appeal enough for their kindness. You have made it possible for our island children who are facing serious illness, in hospital and in the community, to receive a special gift to lift their spirits during a difficult time”. – Dionne Davies, St. Mary’s Hospital.
Cash donations
If you’d prefer to donate cash that will go to good Island causes throughout the year, you can do so by clicking on the Paypal button below.
