Heartfelt thanks go to the community of Congleton whose kindness and generosity saw well over 500 toys donated to the Chronicle and National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) Toy Appeal. With double the number of toys and games gifted, Christmas morning was a happier one for many local children and their families.
Plus Dane’s Regional Operations Manager, Kirsteen Smith, who co-ordinated the distribution of toys to those most in need said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated. The response was astounding and reflects the kind-hearted town that we are. We received a wonderful array of toys and so many beautiful gifts. Not only did we hit record donations, unfortunately we hit the highest number of children referred to us. It is sad, although not unexpected with so many families impacted by poverty in the current circumstances.”
Due to the uncertainty of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, it was a concern whether the appeal, in its twentieth year would be able to go ahead. With the normal Chronicle offices closed and many NSPCC team members shielding, Congleton Town Council stepped in to act as a new collection point. Helga Lacey, Congleton NSPCC said “We are thankful to Congleton Town Council for their invaluable support as a Town Centre collection point and also for collecting the toys and delivering them to Dane Housing where the gifts were sorted by boy and girl age groups and delivered in time for Christmas. We would also like to thank Chris Hamriding Estate Agents and the staff at Boots Barn Road who served as valuable drop off points.
Over the past twenty years the team has established a proven track record of getting the toys to those who need it most. This is a great cause, made possible by the people of Congleton who continue to support it. The team is already looking to see how it can work together for Christmas 2021.
