The Isle of Wight Radio Christmas Toy Appeal is back, and it’s asking local residents to bring festive joy to children across the Island by donating toys or raising funds.
Organisers are encouraging donations of new toys worth £10 or more to brighten Christmas Day for children facing difficult circumstances, including young carers, children in hospital, bereaved youngsters, as well as those impacted by cost-of-living crisis, poverty or housing challenges.
Supporting the community through generosity
The appeal, supported by Red Funnel as the lead sponsor, will run from Monday, 11th November, through to Sunday 8th December 2024.
Each year, the Toy Appeal brings Christmas cheer to up to 3,000 children. Over the last decade, Islanders have donated an incredible 37,000 gifts, underscoring the community’s generosity.
John: We’ve seen such an outpouring of kindness during our previous appeals
Claire John, Managing Director at Isle of Wight Radio, expressed her gratitude for the community’s support, highlighting the significance of the appeal during difficult economic times.
She said,
“We are delighted to bring the Toy Appeal back for 2024.
“The cost-of-living crisis is never more prevalent than during the festive period, and it’s testament to the generosity of our Island community that we have seen such an outpouring of kindness during our previous appeals.”
Red Funnel’s continued support
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, also shared the company’s commitment to the appeal, emphasising their desire to help make Christmas special for every child on the Island.
“Helping to make sure every child on the Island has a magical and special Christmas is really important to us, and we’re delighted to be supporting the Isle of Wight Radio Toy Appeal again to make this a reality.”
How to get involved
There are several ways to contribute beyond donating toys. Community members can organise fundraising events, such as carol concerts or Christmas jumper days at schools. Every effort, no matter how small, makes a difference.
To share your fundraising efforts, send details and photos to [email protected] with the subject “Toy Appeal 2024.” Isle of Wight Radio will give a shout-out on air and include highlights in their online round-up.
Drop-off points
The Toy Appeal is seeking new toys suitable for children aged 0-16.
Official drop-off points include:
- Isle of Wight Radio
- Tesco, Ryde
- Waitrose, East Cowes
- Morrisons, Newport
- The Entertainer, Newport
- Asda, Newport
- Red Funnel (Red Jet Terminal and East Cowes Terminal)
- Pocket Full of Pebbles (Cowes)
- The School Shop (Ryde)
- Home Bargains (Newport)
- West Wight Sports Centre
- Choice Carpets, Lake
For further details, visit the website and help make a child’s Christmas magical this year.
