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Toy appeal success 'reflection of community spirit'

Sefton Council Two men and two women wearing Christmas jumpers are stood at a bus depot with toys at a donation point.Sefton Council
Sefton Council staff collected donations from Bootle Arriva Bus Depot

A Christmas toy appeal which helped provide gifts for almost 1,300 children over the festive season was a reflection of the borough's "community spirit", the mayor has said.

Councillor June Burns thanked local people for their kindness and generosity after thousands of toys and gifts were donated as part of the annual appeal.

She described the response as "overwhelming".

"Your kindness made Christmas even more special for families in Sefton and to see such community spirit on show was truly inspiring," she said.

Sefton Council Councillor June Burns stood on a Christmas sledge with father Christmas. She has short hair and is wearing a red Christmas jumper and black trousers.Sefton Council
Sefton Mayor Councillor June Burns said the response had been "overwhelming"

Thousands of toys and gifts were donated by local people and gifts ranged from hand knitted teddy bears, to art and craft sets, to books to sets of AirPods.

Local businesses donated thousands of pounds to the scheme which funded pyjamas, technology items and toiletries for older children.

"Year in, year out, this appeal goes above and beyond my expectations and this year was no different," Burns said.

Sefton Council A large group of people wearing high viz yellow coats holding a selection of toys to camera and smiling ins ide Bootle Town HallSefton Council
The Our Natural Alternatives group raised more than £300 by selling homemade Christmas decorations

"Hundreds of people and groups held coffee mornings, raised awareness and funds, collected donations and made this appeal so successful and all I can say is thank you," she said.

"Thank you to the residents, the businesses, the members of staff all those people who have so worked hard to make this happen so that on Christmas Day no child wakes up without a toy."

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