Christmas Toy Appeal set for early start as cost of living crisis deepens

A Queen’s Award-winning charity from Leigh has brought forward its annual Christmas Toy Appeal in response to the cost of living crisis.

Compassion in Action (CIA), organisers of Leigh’s longest-running toy appeal, is now officially welcoming donations.

Toys for children aged 0 to 16-plus can be dropped off at the charity’s Patrick House headquarters at 58 Leigh Road, as well as at Costa Coffee and Nationwide in Spinning Gate Shopping Centre.

“With the rising cost of food, fuel, inflation and mortgages, we know that winter 2022 is going to be a time of unprecedented financial difficulty across the Wigan Borough,” said Pam Gilligan, CEO of CIA.

“More vulnerable families than ever will be referred to us by our partner agencies, who share our belief that no child should be forgotten at Christmas. Our goal is to unite our community to rise to this challenge. Giving our amazing supporters more time to donate will help us in achieving this aim.”

While toys are welcomed for children of all ages, CIA is asking its supporters to especially consider the borough’s vulnerable teenagers, who have received fewer appeal donations in previous years.

“We are truly blessed to receive so many beautiful toys for newborn babies and toddlers year on year – many of which are donated to local mother and baby units, as well as children’s wards,” said Pam. “However, some families in crisis who are referred to our charity also have teenage children. They equally deserve to wake up to a gift on Christmas morning.”

All toys and food hampers will be delivered to the families on 23 and 24 December by CIA’s team of staff and volunteers.

To find out more about donating to Compassion in Action’s Christmas Toy Appeal or to arrange a collection, telephone 01942 418830 or email [email protected]