Sefton’s Mayor, Cllr June Burns, has shared a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to residents across the Borough who have already supported this year’s toy appeal. And she is reminding people that there is still time to get involved before Christmas with festive cheer needed more than ever this year.
Since launching the appeal in November, more than £1,200 has been donated via Sefton’s Crowdfunding platform and hundreds of gifts have been delivered to Bootle Town Hall. It is the first time the Mayor’s appeal has used crowdfunding for the annual gift event, and donations surpassed the target just 48 hours after it was launched.
The crowdfunding has now closed and volunteers from the Council will use the funds to buy gifts from some local businesses that will be distributed to more than 500 families by Christmas Day.
New and unwrapped toys, gift vouchers, toiletries, pyjamas and stocking fillers for all ages, are still needed and welcomed as part of the appeal. Items can be donated in the following ways:
- Purchased online and sent to the following delivery address:
- Sefton Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal, Town Hall, Oriel Road, Bootle L20 7AE
- Dropped off at the in-store donation point at Asda Central 12 in Southport
- Dropped off at libraries and leisure centres which re-opened on 2nd December, opening hours may be varied so people should check before making a drop off
People need to drop off their donations by Tuesday 22nd December 2020, in time for them to be sent out for Christmas Day.
Cllr Burns said: “I have been absolutely delighted by the support we’ve already received from people across the Borough for this year’s toy appeal. For the very first time we set up a crowdfunding page for the appeal, and I couldn’t quite believe that we reached our target after less than two days. It just goes to show how generous and kind our residents are, thinking of others this Christmas.
“I would also like to say a special thank you to Crosby resident Jack who ran a half marathon raising an incredible £1,000, and a number of community groups who have gone above and beyond to support my appeal this year.”
Jack Antonio, aged 23, ran a half marathon around Crosby in November and raised £1,000 which he used to buy toys and gifts that he has generously donated to the appeal.
Jack was due to take part in an event earlier in the year to fundraise for the Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal. Despite the event being cancelled due to the ongoing health pandemic, he decided still to complete his run locally and support families across the Borough this Christmas.
Community groups including Attitude Dance (Bootle) and Marina Sands JFC (Crosby) as well as Sefton schools and Parish Councils have been collecting gifts to give back to their communities. There’s also been a huge amount of support from local businesses, Sefton Council employees, elected members and people from all wards across the Borough.
Cllr Burns added: “It’s just so incredible to think that people are putting others first this festive season, ensuring that children across Sefton have a gift to open on Christmas Day. However, we’re still looking for new and unwrapped gifts as there are hundreds of families that we need to support more than ever this year.
“Gifts need to be donated by no later than Tuesday 22nd December – a small gift could go a long way to making this year special for families across Sefton.”
For further information on the Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal call or text the Mayor’s Office 07837 863075 or visit www.sefton.gov.uk/toyappeal
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