By Portia O’Toole
Toys on the Table has launched its annual Christmas toy appeal to help children in need in the Leicestershire and Rutland areas.
The charity was founded in the late 80s by a Round Table group but was gradually phased out after Children in Need was founded. It was restarted in the early 2000s as a registered charity as CIN was not fulfilling the required need in the area.
Mac Clarke, chairman at the charity, said: “Each year we help around 3,000 children, last year it was 3,351, so we rely on cash donations from the general public.”
While it is an expensive operation, bringing festivities to so many children, he added: “The one thing the British public are good at is giving.”
Social workers and other professionals can refer children to the charity, which then makes sure the correct age range of toys or gifts are assigned to them and wrapped up ready for the big day.
Each child is gifted a bundle of toys to open, and the older children also receive a book.
At present it has an abundance of toys for ages three to four and needs gifts for ages 11 to 13, both boys and girls.
If you wish to help with this year’s appeal, there are several toy donation points throughout the city including Tesco in Narborough Road, Asda at Fosse Park and Blaby District Council.
All toys must be new for safety and quality purposes, and the charity cannot accept any food or drink due to potential allergies.
You can also send cheques made payable to Toys on the Table to Matrix House, Constitution Hill, LE1 1PL. For any further information, please see toysonthetable.org.uk
