Central Co-op’s much-loved Christmas Toy Appeal is back, bringing communities together to make sure all children wake up to a gift on Christmas morning. This year, the Toy Appeal van will be stopping at stores across Staffordshire to collect gifts and spread some Christmas magic.
From 12th November to 13th December, Toy Donation Points will be available in all Central Co-op stores and funeral homes, where customers and Members can drop off brand-new toys, games and gifts for children who might otherwise go without.
The appeal supports local and national charities working with families in need across Staffordshire and Central Co-op’s trading area, ensuring donations make a real difference close to home and further afield.
In addition, Central Co-op’s Toy Appeal van will be travelling across the country, popping up at selected stores in Staffordshire, including:
- Stretton – 17th Nov, 1:30pm
- Eccleshall – 21st Nov, 9am
- Rising Brook, Stafford – 21st Nov, 11:30am
- Silkmore Lane, Stafford – 21st Nov, 1:30pm
- Wildwood, Stafford – 21st Nov, 3pm
- Boley park, Lichfield – 25th Nov, 9:30am
- Central Co-op Support Centre, Queens Street, Lichfield – 25th Nov, 12pm
- Curborough Road, Lichfield – 25th Nov, 1:30pm
- Streethay, Lichfield – 25th Nov, 3pm
- Brooklime Way, Tamworth – 12th Dec, 2:30pm
Shoppers can enjoy festive samples from the Society’s Christmas food range, including Gingerbread & Maple Mince Pies, Irresistible Giant Cinnamon Knots, Fruited & Spiced Stollen, Black Forest Brownies, and Irresistible Roast Duck & Spiced Clementine Crisps. Visitors can stop by to donate while enjoying a taste of Christmas.
Elaine Dean, President of Central Co-op, said: “The Toy Appeal captures what our co-operative values are all about – community, compassion and care. Every donation brings a little hope and happiness to children who deserve a magical Christmas. We’re so grateful to our Members, colleagues and customers for their generosity year after year.”
Last year, Central Co-op’s Toy Appeal collected more than 3,500 gifts for children supported by local charities.
The Society is also continuing a range of initiatives to support children and families experiencing poverty due to the increasing cost-of-living, from colleague financial wellbeing programmes and community grants to food redistribution through Olio, and partnerships with Samaritans and Child Bereavement UK.
Central Co-op welcomes donations that are:
- Brand new and unused
- Non-violent and non-edible
- Not battery-operated or require ongoing costs
Together, let’s make it a season of comfort and joy for every child. To find your nearest Central Co-op shop and drop-off point, visit stores.centralengland.coop/search, details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop.
