Struggling families in Wythenshawe and Newton Heath are to benefit from toys donated by national charity Family Action's annual Toy Appeal - ensuring disadvantaged children are able to have presents on Christmas Day.
One mum and her family, who were supported by the Toy Appeal last year described how the appeal helps to alleviate stress.
She said: “I’ve always had fond memories of Christmas even though we didn’t have much money when I was growing up.
“People put it all over Facebook – ‘Look what I’ve got my kids’ – and it makes you feel awful.
READ MORE:
"It should be about spending time with the family, but I do get really stressed because, even though my kids don’t care what they get, I want to get them good presents. The Toy Appeal relieves that little bit of stress.
“I find the presents are usually educational or creative and last year my daughter got one of those aqua bead sets, which she loves.
"The Toy Appeal means a lot to the families that haven’t got a lot and especially the poor kids that haven’t got anything.
Something so little can mean the world to them; It definitely means that to me.”
As part of its ongoing partnership with the national charity Family Action, LV =General Insurance has donated over £20,000 worth of Christmas presents to the national charity’s annual Toy Appeal.
Family Action transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation across the country.
Their Christmas Toy Appeal aims to give 12,000 toys to those who would otherwise miss out.
The donation of 1,450 toys has come from LV= GI employees, as well as the insurer’s claims suppliers and broker partners.
The presents will be delivered to 13 Family Action centres across the UK, including the Sure Start Children’s Centre in Wythenshawe and Newton Heath. Other centres to benefit include those in Rochdale, Bradford, Hackney, Portsmouth, Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham and Leeds.
To reduce the environmental impact associated with contributing to the Toy Appeal, LV= GI has also made a donation to the Woodland Trust.
This will allow the Trust to plant 20 trees which will absorb the carbon associated with the wrapping, packaging and distribution of the presents.
Heather Smith, Managing Director at LV= General Insurance, commented : “Supporting charity and community has always been close to our hearts, and that’s why we’re proud to support the Family Action Christmas Toy Appeal again this year.
"Our people have come together and been so generous, both in buying presents and donating their time to make sure the gifts get delivered in time for Christmas.
"It’s such a wonderful cause and we’re so pleased to play our part.”
For all your latest news in your area sign up here
