TOY giant Toys “R” Us has teamed up with the Salvation Army and The Northern Echo to back the Darlington Toy Appeal.
The appeal, also supported by Darlington Cares, has been launched in a bid to give hundreds of disadvantaged children a Christmas present.
Last year, the appeal ensured more than 400 children woke up on Christmas morning with a gift.
Not only has Toys “R” Us donated all the toys featured in today’s Weekend Magazine Christmas review, see Weekend Magazine Page Four, but the company is also collecting toys donated by shoppers at its Teesside Park store.
Justine Pryce, spokesperson for Toys “R” Us, said: “Christmas is such a heart-warming time of year that every child deserves the opportunity to feel loved by their local community.
“Toys “R” Us are really pleased to be able to make a donation to the Darlington Toy Appeal and urge anyone who can do the same to drop by Toys “R” Us in at Teesside Park and make their very own donation to children less fortunate.”
In response, Salvation Army minister Colin Bradshaw said: “We are so grateful for the generosity of Toys “R” Us. Only yesterday I received a phone call from a children's agency expressing concern because the number of children referred to them has dramatically increased, so to receive this amazing donation from Toys “R” Us gives me hope that we will be able to make sure every Darlington child has a Christmas Day to remember.”
Donations of tinned food and new toys and gifts suitable for under-16s can also be dropped off at The Northern Echo offices in Priestgate, Darlington, between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, at The Salvation Army citadel on Thompson Street East and at Footprints bookshop on Skinnergate from 9am until 5pm Monday to Saturday.
Financial donations can be made at Footprints or through The Salvation Army. For more details, call 01325-380994 or visit darlingtonsalvationarmy.org.uk
The appeal will run until Sunday, November 30 when the gifts will be collected by The Salvation Army and distributed by agencies working with disadvantaged families.
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