Stanlaw Abbey Christmas Toy Appeal
Each year Stanlaw Abbey organise a Christmas Toy Appeal to support vulnerable and low-income families within Ellesmere Port. Working with family intervention workers, social workers, disability team, schools and woman’s refuge, our appeal is provided with a list of families who need help to ensure that their children receive a gift at Christmas.
Children of all ages, up to 18 years-old are included in this appeal.
Since 2014 we have had over 10,000 presents donated by the public helping to provide presents to children who may otherwise not have received one at Christmas.
An overview of the 2023 Appeal
This year, due to the ongoing increase of the cost of living, we were slightly concerned that we wouldn’t be able to achieve what we had in previous years. We are very pleased to share with you that once again, this was far from the case. This year 1,260 children and young people from Ellesmere Port all received at least 3 gifts and a selection box.
The referring agencies expressed what a difference this was going to make to the families they had referred. Unlike similar appeals, we don’t close for referrals. The week leading up to Christmas saw increased emergency referrals, and we are pleased to say that no request for support was turned away.
As a small charity ourselves we couldn’t achieve what we do without the help and support of the local community. Together we were able to relieve some pressure at a stressful time for the families and children we supported. On behalf of the Stanlaw Abbey Development Trust and the families who benefitted from the 2023 Christmas Toy Appeal may we again thank you for your kindness.
Support to date
Previous Appeals
The events of 2020 saw our figures more than double, no referral was turned away. This meant that 707 children all woke up on Christmas Day with at least 3 gifts to open.
There were some changes made to the appeal in 2020 with the introduction of a new Facebook page and the facility to purchase gifts through an Amazon Wishlist. Due to Covid-19 we had to adapt how we operated, everything was carried out under current guidelines and recommendations. This sadly meant that we didn’t hold our usual wrap event, however no gift went out unwrapped thanks to the amazing volunteers who sat by themselves or as a family unit to wrap each gift.
As a small charity ourselves we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we did without the help and support of the local community. On behalf of Stanlaw Abbey Development Trust and the families who benefitted from the Christmas Toy Appeal 2020, thank you to all involved for your kindness, help and support.
The 2021 Appeal was a great success.
Following the increased demand of our 2020 appeal we knew that 2021 would be no different as the world continued to battle Covid-19, along with the increase in cost of living for families.
The campaign has continued to grow which this year saw the appeal support 1,112 children, over 488 families. We continued with the smaller wrapping events which were vital in order to wrap more than 3300 gifts. We were also lucky to have our Donation Boxes in 9 locations around Ellesmere Port along with 7 local schools also supporting the appeal.
As a small charity ourselves we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we have without the help and support of the local community. On behalf of Stanlaw Abbey Development Trust and the families who benefitted from the Christmas Toy Appeal 2021, thank you to all involved for your kindness, help and support.
We look forward to seeing existing and new supporters for the 2022 appeal however if you wish to make contact throughout the year please use our dedicated email address toyappeal@stanlawabbey or call Gail/Laura on 0151 356 5896.
Also don’t forget to Like and follow our Facebook page.
As you will be aware, 2022 brought new pressures and challenges to everyone as the cost of living soared. This year we were slightly concerned that we wouldn’t be able to achieve what we had in previous years. We are very please to share with you that this was far from the case. This year 1,160 children and young people from Ellesmere Port all received at least 4 gifts and a selection box. This means that over 4,600 wrapped presents made their way to local recipients in time for Christmas Day.
The referring agencies expressed what a difference this was going to make to the families they had referred. Unlike similar appeals, we do not close for referrals. The week leading up to Christmas saw increased emergency referrals, and we are pleased to say that no request for support was turned away.
As a small charity ourselves, we couldn’t achieve what we do without the help and support of the local community. Together we were able to bring some happiness to the families and children we supported. On behalf of the Stanlaw Abbey Development Trust and the families who benefitted from the 2022 Christmas Toy Appeal, may we again thank you for your kindness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get involved?
Both individuals and businesses are welcome to get involved and we appreciate every donation that we receive.
We have posters available for businesses wishing to promote the appeal in their workspace. Businesses can even become a drop off point for the local community.
Individuals are welcome to donate new toys or cash donations throughout the year.
What happens to my donation?
We can guarantee that all toys donated stay within the community of Ellesmere Port. We work closely with the Local Authority, schools and local charities to ensure that the toys go to those families who are in need.
All toys donated to the appeal will be wrapped and tagged appropriately for the child’s age and gender, collected and distributed in time for the big day.
Do Toys need to be new?
Yes. Toys need to be in new condition with packaging.
What can/can't be donated?
This year we have set up a Stanlaw Abbey Christmas Toy Appeal Wish List. on Amazon as we know some people will be limiting trips to the shops. The list allows you to purchase items from a list which Amazon will then deliver direct to the appeal.
For those who wish to choose their own gift, we ask for the following as a guideline:
- 0-3 years: dolls, teddy bears, bath toys, nursery rhymes books, puzzles, sensory gifts.
- 3-5: dolls and action figures, vehicles, colouring sets, books, puzzles, construction sets, dress up clothes, Play-Doh
- 5-9: educational games and toys, remote controlled toys, board games, footballs and goalie gloves, stationery, books, Lego, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats.
- 9-12: games and toys, remote controlled toys, stationery, books, craft kits, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats, rucksacks
- 13-17: books, make-up and toiletries, gloves, scarves, hats, headphones, speakers, hair accessories, footballs and goalie gloves.
Chocolate and selection boxes are always welcome for any age, as every child receives a chocolate gift along with their presents.
**Please note we are unable to accept any toy weapons (guns, swords, knives), gift cards, electronic games, CDs, or DVDs.**
I dont know what to buy, do you accept cash donations?
Yes we happily accept cash donations. At the sorting and wrapping stage there is always a shortfall of gifts for at least one age range. Donations of money helps us ensure that gifts can be purchased for every child.
Can I donate food items?
We currently accept selection boxes as a donation but sadly not donations of food.
Can I speak to someone about the appeal?
Of course. We are passionate about the appeal so please feel free to get in touch. Please email toyappeal@stanlawabbey.com or call 0151 356 5896.
Where can I drop off my donation?
We take donations throughout the year. Donations can be dropped off at Stanlaw Abbey Business Centre reception between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Each year we have a number of donation points around Ellesmere Port and announce these on our social media during the Appeal.