BLUE WATCH SUPPORT BAKERS XMAS TOY APPEAL

One week in to the appeal and still five weeks to go to Xmas. Most of you probably haven’t even started your Xmas shopping yet, but lots of you may have written your ‘shopping lists’. This year you could always add another gift to that list – for a vulnerable or disadvantaged child in your local area – a deed that would really help to make their Christmas extra special.

It doesn’t even have to make a noticeable dent in your pocket with so many shops and supermarkets promoting really good deals this year.

Organisations and businesses may also like to help by donating gifts, having an internal whip round or just by bringing the appeal to the attention of their staff.

You may even find that your children were so inundated with gifts last Xmas that some of them ultimately found their way up into the attic, still in their packaging, only to be forgotten about and unused for years. It is these unwanted and unused new toys, or any surplus that you may have brought in for this Xmas, which could bring tremendous joy to under privileged children during the season of good will, the appeal is targeting.

This week Glossop’s Blue Watch from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service showed that they were behind the appeal by lending their support. Station Manager Peter Arnfield said ‘Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service are pleased to be associated with the Christmas toy appeal and urge all members of the public to give generously to this worthwhile cause. We would also like to take this opportunity to remind the public to take extra care during the festive period and ensure they have a working smoke alarm, anyone requiring a Free home fire safety check call 01457 85223. ”

The recipient organization of the Bakers Solicitors’ Xmas Toy Appeal will be High Peak Womens’ Aid. Their aim is to provide support to women and children experiencing domestic abuse, which also includes running a refuge offering safe accommodation for those who need to remove themselves from danger.

We are appealing for NEW toys and gifts that will appeal to children of all ages up to 16, so remember teenagers are just as worthy and deserving at Christmas as well as the children at the younger end of the spectrum. So in addition to toys for younger children, the appeal is looking for gift donations that would be of interest to teenagers such as cosmetics, toiletries and fashion items for the girls – or computer games, toiletries, CDs , fashion jewellery and gimmicky presents for the boys.

Ian Baker from Bakers Solicitors comments ‘As well as collecting and storing these gifts ready for distribution to the children in time for Xmas, we at Bakers Solicitors have had tremendous fun organising the appeal which gets all involved really in to the Christmas spirit. Christmas is very much about ‘giving’ and making the festivities special for everyone, and this year we hope that some of you will consider extending your generosity to the children supported by High Peak Women’s Aid.’

Toys and gifts should be dropped at Bakers Solicitors, High Street West (look out for the Toy Appeal banner) from 9am – 5pm on a Monday to Friday, where they will be held in safekeeping before forwarding to High Peak Women’s Aid. Nearer to Xmas Bakers will open on a Saturday to accommodate those donators who are unable to drop off their gifts during the week.

Glossop's Blue Watch join Bakers' Lisa Tinsley to support the Toy Appeal