Toy banks

Former_MSE_Megan

Martin recently posted on Facebook asking whether you'd cancel Christmas. A lady got in touch to say she that she was living with her disabled mother, eating barely anything in an effort to scrape together enough money to give her young daughter something to open on Christmas day.

We sent an email around the office to see what we could send to her to help out. There are plenty of parents in MSE Towers and none of them would want their children to go without on Christmas day.

But it got us thinking, there are food banks and such, but it's not widely publicised if there are toy banks around - places to donate toys to children at Christmas. We've been able to find one, ToyBank.org, but do you know of any others? And do you think this is a good idea? Kids grow out of toys so fast, it seems a shame to let them go to waste.

Tell us what you think below.

springdreams

I think it is a great idea.

People's needs extend beyond food and water. And every child should have something to open on Christmas Day.

I know some posters on MSE have been buying and donating advent calendars to the food banks.

I would happily donate those toys that my DS did not play with at all and those that he did but which are still in good condition. Much better than having them sitting gathering dust in my home that someone should get some further use out of them.

DomRavioli

Key 103 (In Manchester) do a toy drive every year for christmas so that no child goes without something to open on Christmas. There's loads of info on their website, other local radio stations might be doing similar.

kingfisherblue

Our Rainbows and Brownies have donated a small toy to the local unit for those who have had to leave their homes because of domestic violence. It was suggested that we give toys to children in hospital, but several local charities do that. After discussion at an appropriate level for the age group, we decided to support children who might not receive nothing at Christmas. Last year, some of the parents donated gifts for the mums as well.

A toy bank would be a great idea, and I would nclude children's books in it as well. I would support it.

mrsHall2b

Our local radio station does toy collections
http://www.piratefm.co.uk/features/the-pirate-fm-toy-appeal/
but that is mainly for little harbour hospice.

and we have Cornwalls Childrens Clothes bank, which can accept small toys (its a few women doing it out of their houses and whatever spaces they can find) and I recently donated all sorts of items to it. I may suggest to them about including toys for over the christmas period. It would also save so muh waste. we also have a toy library scheme where you can borrow toys for a little while then exchange them for something else which has been very popular

Stevie_Palimo

Ask Martin if he will organise a donation to the lady concerned in the Facebook post and if he does I will match what ever he gives to ensure she has a good Christmas meal and presents for her family.