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. This helped to give many local children and families in need some Christmas cheer.
In addition to the toys gifted, residents dug deep and made financial donations to NSPCC Childline in local collection boxes. Sue Dale, a long serving volunteer for the NSPCC said: “Cash donations are so very important, as unfortunately Christmas Day is Childline’s busiest day of the year when desperate children, who have been abused or neglected by parents, ring for help. The cost of each call is £4, so monetary donations are vital to the charities work. We are thankful to Boots Barn Road, the Chronicle Office and Congleton Town Council who served as valuable drop off points for both toys and financial donations.”
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. Plus a very generous donation of toys from the parishioners of St Michael’s, North Rode from their Annual Gift Service on Sunday 5December.”
“Sadly however we had over 200 children referred to us impacted by poverty or the after effects of domestic abuse. We were hit with the shock realisation of the increased number of families struggling in the current circumstances.”
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 2022.
