Toys needed for families hit by pandemic job losses, says charity

Children of parents who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic are to benefit from donated toys this Christmas.

Organisers at Hythe Salvation Army in Kent say they’re seeing “lots of families who haven't got the finance this year to do what they’d normally do for their children”.

The charitable church group is asking local people to donate new unwrapped toys as part of a national Christmas Present Appeal.

Scores of other Salvation Army churches across the South are also taking part, including those in Brighton, Burgess Hill, Canterbury and Ashford.

There are seven drop-off locations for the Christmas Present Appeal in Hythe, Kent.

Last year’s appeal recorded a significant increase in donations in the Folkestone & Hythe district, with hundreds of toys handed in. Organisers are hoping for similar generosity this Christmas. 

Dozens of volunteers are currently helping sort the donated toys in Hythe, with contributions welcome up until 10th December 2021. 

Those wanting to donate toys to the Hythe appeal can drop them off at one of seven locations or donate financially online.