It is just under six weeks until Christmas and Fenland residents are being asked to donate gifts to local children in need.
The appeal is again being run by local police.
Inspector Andy Morris, of the Fenland Neighbourhood Policing Team, says that each year, for various reasons, there are children who will wake up on Christmas Day with no presents to open.
He says that social care teams work hard to provide a gift to all the children they work with, but this is not possible without help from members of the public.
Inspector Morris said he was delighted to take over the appeal and thanked Inspector Ian Lombardo for his work on the campaign over the past four years.
Insp Morris said: “I am pleased to announce we can run our Christmas toy appeal this year, when the hardship faced by families is more apparent than ever.
“Past appeals have been extremely well supported by the community, with more than a thousand presents being donated last year.
“But I appreciate that times are difficult, and this year has been tough for a lot of people.
“Therefore, if you are in a position where you can donate, please consider doing so.”
The appeal will run from tomorrow (15 November) through to Friday, 9 December, with donations being accepted at reception at either March or Wisbech Police stations.
Last year, several items were donated via online websites such as Amazon and Argos.
Those who want to donate in this way should put the delivery name as “Sally Fairbrass” and send to Cambridgeshire County Council, Awdry House, Ramnoth Road, Wisbech, PE13 2JD.
People dropping off a donation at either of the stations should make sure they are sealed within a carrier bag or bin bag.
Insp Morris added: “We will not be accepting donations any later than 9 December to ensure they can be checked over and sorted in time for delivery.
“This year we are requesting that only new items are donated and that presents are not wrapped.
“Second-hand electricals, such as games consoles and tablets, will be accepted if they are in working condition and can be wiped down and cleaned.”
Donations could be toys, puzzles, dolls, board games, sports equipment such as footballs, Lego, reading books, colouring books, and male and female toiletry sets.
The appeal also welcomes beauty sets such as nail polish and make-up.
Blankets, hats, and scarves are also welcome, and these can be new or handmade.
The age ranges for donations are:
- Up to 2 years
- 3 to 5 years
- 6 to 10 years
- 11+ years
Presents for teenagers are particularly welcome as they are often in short supply. This could be toiletry sets for teenage boys and girls, sports equipment, and books.
Sally Fairbrass works for Children’s Social Care in Cambridgeshire and has helped with the appeal every year.
She said: “The Christmas toy appeal is a wonderful thing to be involved with and allows as many children as possible in Fenland to have a present to open on Christmas Day.
“My team sort through the donations, and we’re excited to see the toys that will make not only the children’s Christmas, but also parents who will struggle to provide Christmas gifts this year.”
Insp Morris said: “I know the previous years have been a success and my colleagues have consistently been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by the Fenland community.
“This year it will be harder, but any donations will go directly to children in the local area, so we appreciate any help and support people can provide during these difficult times.”
