Best year yet for Christmas Toy Appeal

Giving Back Charity Members Michael McCann, Helen Leach, Sue Milne, Dan Swann and Mark Jones prepare to sort some of the 1,300 gifts ready for delivery

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Over 1,000 vulnerable local children will have a gift to wake up to on Christmas Day after a record-breaking year for the Borough’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

More than 1,300 toys were donated to the annual appeal that sees the council’s ‘Giving Back’ charity asking residents and staff to buy one extra present for a child between 0-16 and leave it at a local library. The council make sure they reach less fortunate children in time for the big day.

Helen Leach, from the ‘Giving Back’ charity, said: “The response we have had this year is truly heart-warming and has exceeded all expectations. We were aiming to exceed last year’s total of 500 toys, but to get well over double was absolutely magnificent.

"As well as residents and staff we had some great support from generous local businesses including Swansway Honda, J & D Alexander Jewellers and Wincanton.

"People are so generous and we are very lucky that there is an incredible spirit of generosity in Rochdale and a desire to help those who are less fortunate. Thank you to everyone who bought an extra toy.”

Council staff are now distributing the toys to local children.