Can you help a child in need this Christmas?

A popular toy appeal which last year spread Christmas magic for over 1,100 children in Hinckley, has opened up once again for 2025’s big donation plea.

The Hinckley and Bosworth Christmas Toy and Food Appeal has been running since 2009 and continues to grow every year.

A major collaboration effort between Leicestershire County Council’s Family Help Service, the Salvation Army, the Hinckley Area Food Bank, Work Link and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, plus many other generous supporters, the appeal was put in place to lend a helping hand to struggling families during the festive season.

Councillor Charles Pugsley, Lead Member for Children and Families said: “Although most of us think of Christmas as a happy time, it can be stressful for those going through financial difficulties.

“No family should be without support, especially during the festive period, and I know what a huge impact the Hinckley and Bosworth appeal makes for local families in need.

“I’d like to thank the partners and supporters involved, as well as generous members of the public. Get involved this year by gifting brand-new toys or vouchers suitable for children up to the age of 16.”   

2024’s appeal was once again the biggest ever, providing more than 1,100 Hinckley children with a gift on Christmas Day and £23,000 in food vouchers, to help with the cost of festive meals.    

This year, the toy appeal team are requesting more items suited to older children, such as toiletry sets and gift vouchers. Donation bins are located throughout Hinckley, where gifts can be dropped off up until 28 November, or to Hinckley Family Hub on Granville Road after this date.

More information on how to donate to the appeal can be found on the Hinckley and Bosworth Family Hub Facebook page.   

www.facebook.com/HinckleyBosworthCFWS

Any business, church, community group or charity which would like to join the growing number of supporters of the appeal can email HinckleyFamilyHubs@leics.gov.uk