Hundreds of toys donated to Kettering Food Bank by Co-op customers and members

Northamptonshire shoppers thanked as Co-op Toybox Appeal sees more than 12,000 presents donated to help families make Christmas special
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Central England Co-op customers and members have helped to spread some festive cheer by donating more than 12,000 presents and stocking fillers as part of the retailer’s special Christmas toy appeal.

The items were dropped off at donation points located in all 262 stores across 16 counties, including stores across Kettering, Desborough and Broughton, through November and December.

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All of the presents were then shared out via local charities, community groups, food banks and hospices who handed them to as many children as possible to help spread some festive cheer.

A representative from Kettering Food Bank with some of the toys donated through the appealA representative from Kettering Food Bank with some of the toys donated through the appeal
A representative from Kettering Food Bank with some of the toys donated through the appeal

Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op Chief Executive, said: “On behalf of everyone involved with our society, I want to say a big thank you to every customer, member and colleague who helped make our Christmas Toybox Appeal another incredible success.

“It is incredibly humbling that kind-hearted people in our communities have donated over 12,000 brand new presents and stocking fillers that are now going to bring smiles to the faces of thousands of youngsters up and down the country as they wake up on Christmas morning.

“We are so overwhelmed by the generosity shown by everyone who has supported this campaign and proud to be involved with some truly inspiring local good causes and charities who work not just at Christmas but all year round to make sure children get great support when they need it most.

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“Thank you to everyone who has helped us here at Central England Co-op to give over 12,000 children a gift they will never forget this Christmas.”

Items donated included puzzles, games, soft toys, outdoor toys, books, dolls/figures, CDs/DVDs and art materials, and even children’s bicycles and scooters.

In Northamptonshire, 500 toys donated by generous customers and members visiting stores across Kettering, Desborough and Broughton have been collected by Kettering Food Bank to help families they support.

Jane Stone, from Kettering Food Bank, said: “These donations truly will help all the families who are struggling to add that extra little bit of Christmas joy.

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"Thank you to everyone who donated and to the Central England Co-op stores across the area for their generosity.”

Other major organisations supported by this year’s Christmas Toybox Appeal included Family Action, Rainbows Hospice, the Salvation Army and The Active Wellbeing Society.

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