Action Together's Toy Appeal, supported by your Tameside Reporter and Tameside Radio, is returning this year and volunteers are needed to help make it possible. 

Last year was the most successful year ever for the local charity's annual appeal, with over 10,000 toys donated to Tameside children most in need. 

Christmas will be a very difficult time this year for many families in Tameside, particularly those living in poverty.

In response to these unprecedented times, the Tameside Toy Appeal 2021 is needed now more than ever. 

The appeal, which will formally launch on Monday 1 November, will run differently this year.

A team of volunteer Doorstep Elves and Sleigh Drivers will collect gifts from people's doorsteps and deliver to local families.

People can safely donate toys at a number of local drop-off points across Tameside, or donate online via a dedicated JustGiving page.

You can also help spread the word by sharing with family, friends and colleagues using the hashtag #TamesideToyAppeal on social media. 

Liz Windsor-Welsh, Chief Executive at Action Together, commented: “We are extremely proud of how the Tameside Toy Appeal continues to bring people together to support those in need at this difficult time of year. We hope that Tameside communities will support the appeal once more and make this a better Christmas for children in Tameside.

“We would appreciate any help you, your employer or your local community group can give to the Tameside Toy Appeal. There are many opportunities to help from volunteering as doorstep elves, Santa won’t put you on the naughty list if you don’t dress up, through to donating a much needed gift. Let’s work together to support as many families as possible.”

The Tameside Toy Appeal Doorstep Elves will be delivering leaflets across Tameside with more information on how to donate.

Donation ideas could include:

• Children aged 0 - 3 years - Bath toys, building blocks, playmats, teethers

• Children aged 4 - 12 years - Activity toys, board games, dressing up outfits, puzzles

• Teenagers - Art supplies, card games, gift vouchers, sports equipment

• All ages - Books, gloves, hats, pyjamas, scarves, slippers, socks

Donations of second hand or soft toys cannot be accepted. 

Action Together is working in partnership with children's centres across Tameside to ensure families receive gifts for their children.

Action Together CIO is the infrastructure organisation for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Oldham, Rochdale, and Tameside. 

To find out more and get involved, contact Action Together by calling 0161 339 2345, emailing info@actiontogether.org.uk or visit https://www.actiontogether.org.uk/tameside-toy-appeal. 

Tameside Toy Appeal 2021 

Click here to read, watch and listen to more about this year's appeal, including where you can donate and how you can volunteer