The Chiltern Toy Bank (CTB) charity has issued an urgent appeal for donations to help get presents to families who are struggling financially this Christmas. Much-needed items can be sent directly to the charity using this link:
https://bit.ly/ToyBank24 with gift ideas priced from £3.49.
Sam Horsman, Chairperson, from Chiltern Toy Bank said: “We support more than 300 families each year and have already helped many of them thanks to donations from our valued partners including Buckinghamshire New University, Wycombe Wanderers Foundation and The Entertainer. We’re also grateful for the generosity of customers at Tesco’s Amersham store, Lush in High Wycombe and the amazing support from our local community.
“This year we’ve had more registrations than in the last 2 years and desperately need to boost our stock levels. We know it’s an expensive time of year but would appreciate any help to ensure every child receives a present on Christmas Day.”
Buckinghamshire New University and Wycombe Wanderers Foundation teamed up to help the charity by donating presents and running pop-up shops on Friday 29 November and Tuesday 3 December at the University’s High Wycombe campus. Families supported by CTB were greeted by volunteers from the University and the Foundation who helped parents to choose presents.
The Entertainer provides the charity with free toys and subsidised warehouse space. Louise Harvey, Director of Civic Engagement at Buckinghamshire New University, said: “We’re proud to support the charity’s excellent work and play our part in making Christmas a little brighter for families in our local community who are facing a tough time.”
Mark Gaitskell, Chief Executive of Wycombe Wanderers Foundation, said: “this is our fourth year supporting the Toy bank and it’s something our team now really look forward to; offering a helping hand to those in need and at a time where it makes such a difference. It’s a real community effort by an amazing team of volunteers and Wycombe Wanderers are proud to play a small part.”
CBT would welcome volunteers to support its work throughout 2025 by helping with fundraising, managing donations and sorting stock, and delivering gifts to parents in time for Christmas.
To get involved, please email info@chilterntoybank.org.
