This in from Daniel Rooke, one of the co-founders of the Isle of Wight Christmas Toy Appeal. Ed
As the Appeal reaches its final week we wanted to make an impassioned plea for everyone to, if you can, please donate a toy. Don’t do it for us, or because you read it in the paper or because someone told you to on the radio.
Do it for people like Mr & Mrs Walsh who last year were able to bring their very sick child home on Christmas Eve but, having spent all their time at the hospital, hadn’t even thought about Christmas.
Do it for Kate, a single mother of two who, just before Christmas has found herself on Jobseekers as her hours have been cut dramatically at work so she can no longer afford presents for her son and daughter.
Or for Mr Wade whose wife has just died and left him widowed with three small children and getting through each grief filled day is a struggle, let alone Christmas.
Or Linda who had to flee an abusive husband and left with nothing in order to get her and her children to safety.
Do it for Imogen who at only three, will be stuck in hospital over Christmas, distraught that Santa may not know where to find her.
Do it for five year old Stephanie who doesn’t understand why Santa visits all her friends but never her.
Lastly do it for Daisy, whose mum decided she couldn’t care for her any longer and so gave her to her grandparents with just a small rucksack for her possessions.
Showing that we care
Shouldn’t Christmas be special for them? The names have been changed in these stories, but they all happened here on the Isle of Wight and they are still happening.
We can’t fix the problems in these children’s lives but, by donating a gift, you are showing the Daisys and the Stephanies on the Island, that we, as a community, care.
That the world is a good place and if only for one day, they are special.
How you can help
You can donate a NEW, unwrapped toy or gift suitable for a child aged 0-16 via an official drop off point before the 11th December.
Alternatively, you can donate money and we will choose a gift for you.
All gifts will be wrapped by volunteers and delivered in time for Christmas!
Anything you can donate will be so gratefully received.
Thank you, Deborah & Daniel Rooke, Appeal Organisers
