Central England Co-op, which has stores in Dersingham and Terrington St Clement, launches its Christmas Toybox Appeal

Central England Co-op, which has stores in Dersingham and Terrington St Clement, is launching a Christmas Toybox Appeal to ensure as many children as possible have a gift to open this festive season.

Running throughout November, customers and members are being asked to donate a present or stocking filler at special donation points located in all of the Co-op's 242 stores across 16 counties.

Gifts will be distributed to families who might not otherwise be able to afford to put presents under the tree for their children via local charities, community groups and food banks as well as major hospitals and hospices.

Last year more than 12,000 presents and stocking fillers were donated.

Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op chief executive, said: “After such an uncertain year for so many in our communities Christmas offers a time for reflection but also celebration and joy, particularly for children.

“However, we know through our work with our food bank partners and with FareShare Midlands the challenges being faced every day by families which has only got tougher as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“By launching our second Christmas Toybox appeal we hope to make sure that as many children as possible across the country wake up on Christmas morning with a present waiting for them to help bring the festive season to life."

The Christmas Toybox Appeal donation points will be in stores from November 1 to December 9.

Items that can be donated have to be new, unwrapped and can include puzzles, games, soft toys, outdoor toys, books, dolls/figures, CDs/DVDs and art materials.