Borough's long-running festive toy drive set to be 'bigger and better than ever'
Musical theatre students and Miller bear mascot are among the line-up for this year's Rotherham Christmas Toy Appeal
Songs, sporting activities and seasonal spirit – this year's launch of the borough's longest-established Christmas Toy Appeal is set to 'sleigh!'
For over 30 years, Rotherham Families First have provided Christmas gifts to children and young people in Rotherham who might otherwise go without.
Last year 2,051 children had a present waiting under the tree after the appeal gave out more than £41,000 worth of brand new toys and gifts.
And now this year's launch - on Friday, November 6 at 5pm at Parkgate Shopping - is set to have its biggest and best line-up.
Lead organiser Ann Levick said: “The appeal works closely with schools, social services, and local charities to ensure toys reach children who need them most.
“Each year, we are supported by Parkgate Shopping, Rotherham Radio, the Rotherham Advertiser and many other organisations who help co-ordinate the appeal – and this year we are delighted to have Rotherham United Community Trust on board.
“We also have a team of Christmas elves who help us pick and pack the thousands of gifts we give out.
“And of course, we couldn’t do it without the generous local people, businesses, and organisations who donate toys and gifts.
“This year the line-up for our launch is bigger and better than ever.
“The Mayor of Rotherham Cllr Haroon Rashid will be opening this event and saying a few words, followed by our local MP and Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey who is a massive supporter of this appeal.
“Father Christmas and the Rotherham Lions Sleigh will make their regular festive appearance and we will be welcoming Rotherham College Musical Theatre students as well as Triple Threat Theatre Academy pupils.
“There will be entertainment, too, from Thorpe Hesley Brass Band, singer Cole Foxton and school choirs from Coleridge, East Dene and Eastwood Village.
“Rotherham United Community Trust will be providing activities and Miller Bear will also be joining us.
“Wingfield Academy student Charlotte Oram will be returning once again to launch her charity Christmas cards and there will be gift bags from Smyth's Toys.
“There will also be a raffle so do bring cash as well as tea, coffee and refreshments from the Parkgate Burger van catering team in exchange for donations to the appeal.
“All in all, everything will be feeling ever so festive to make the launch enjoyable for every age.”