The nights are drawing in, the leaves are starting to fall from the trees and Christmas is on it’s way, so that means it’s time to launch our annual Christmas Toy Appeal, and this year it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.
For 2021 we have teamed up with Goole’s HEY Credit Union as well as Two Rivers Community Pantry to help reach even more families in need this festive season.
Not only that, but various Goole businesses including Tesco, Morrisons and McDonalds have also joined forces to act as drop off points, making this Goole’s largest toy appeal yet!
The last 18 months have undoubtedly been difficult for many families and although we are beginning to emerge from the pandemic many people are still struggling to get back on their feet.
That’s why this year we want to make Christmas extra magical for every family in our area and we need your help!
Thanks to the work of HEY Credit Union and Two Rivers Community Pantry all toys donated as part of the appeal will be distributed directly to families in Goole and surrounding areas who are need of support this Christmas.
Families can be referred to receive a gift from the appeal through schools, social workers, the community pantry and other avenues, with the credit union already working with hundreds of families across our area.
Joanne Evans, branch manager at Goole’s HEY Credit Union said: “The last 18 months have been incredibly difficult and we know many families are still struggling right now due to the end of furlough, the reduction in the Universal Credit, increasing fuel prices and much more.
“Two Rivers Community Pantry has been inundated with families in need of help so it made perfect sense to link up with them for this year’s appeal and reach even more people.
“The community pantry has kindly allowed us the use of one of their rooms to store all the toys donated and the Goole Times, Morrisons, Tesco and McDonalds have all agreed to be drop off points too.”
Councillor Anne Handley from Two Rivers Community Pantry added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with HEY Credit Union to support this appeal and do something good for the people of Goole and surrounding areas this Christmas.”
Last year, due to the pandemic, Goole Times asked readers to donate via our JustGiving page, and generous readers managed to raise over £600 to help purchase toys for families in our area. This year, we are happy to begin accepting physical toys once again, so if you can, why not add an extra toy to your shopping cart and drop it off our office on Boothferry Road to bring a smile to a local child’s face.
Jane Rogers, editor of the Goole Times said: “We are thrilled to see so many organisations and businesses in Goole coming together for this year’s appeal.
“Every year we are overwhelmed by the support and generosity of local people and we hope the community will pull together once again to help people in need.
“Last Christmas was tough for many people, with people being unable to see there loved ones and feeling the pinch financially, so let’s help make this Christmas the best one yet for everyone in our community.”
Donations of new toys, or money if you prefer, can now be made at the Goole Times office on Boothferry Road, as well as at the Goole branch of McDonalds on Rawcliffe Road.
Donation trolleys will also be in place at Morrisons and Tesco following the conclusion of this year’s poppy appeal.
Any other local businesses who would like to get involved with the appeal, either by acting as a drop off point or making a donation should contact
emily.collins@gooletimes.info