The Vernon Building Society and Imagine Radio launched their first annual Christmas Toy Appeal to support the Together Trust.
So far over 300 brand new toys have been donated to the appeal across Vernon’s six local branches with many more set to arrive ready for Christmas. The collection ends on Monday 23rd December. Together Trust will then distribute gifts to disadvantaged children and young people across the Stockport area and the 2,700 families that the charity supports.
The Vernon’s commitment to the local community fuelled the initiative and Imagine Radio’s coverage of the appeal, along with the Together Trust’s support collecting the toys, has driven the success of the initiative.
Vernon Building Society’s Marketing Manager, Alex Deakin said:
It has been absolutely incredible to see the donations coming in from all areas of Manchester as well as our local community of Stockport to support the Together Trust.
“We have received the most wonderful comments and messages of support from local businesses and individuals in our community. This has proved to be a very successful appeal and it will most definitely become an annual fixture in our calendar.”
Kaylie Chapman, Community and Events fundraiser at the Together Trust, said:
This is truly amazing. We are so, so pleased with the generosity of Imagine Radio listeners and Vernon customers. The services have been coming to us this week to collect the toys from our offices and they have all commented on the quality of the toys and kindness of the local community.”
The appeal continues to run until 23rd December. The Vernon Building Society has branches in Stockport town centre, Reddish, Marple, Hazel Grove, Bramhall and Poynton where toys can still be dropped off for the appeal for disadvantaged young people this Christmas.
The Together Trust is a charity that provides special education, residential services, fostering, family support and community services. For anyone wishing to donate to the Vernon Christmas Toy Appeal, suggested gifts include:
- Musical and sensory early years toys
- Anything linked to transport, Lego, Superhero, Animal themes and Pokémon
- Jigsaws
- Coding and gaming related items (nothing over a 15 rating)
- Jewellery and dress up items
- Cooking and baking items
- Arts and crafts items
- Musical Instruments
- Outdoor toys and equipment
- Toiletries
- Gift sets