Appeal brings early festive spirit to Rotherham
14 November 2011

Organisations across Rotherham are again joining forces to help give Christmas cheer to Rotherham’s less privileged children and families.

For the sixth year running Rotherham Children and Young People’s Services is launching an appeal to provide Christmas food hampers and toys for Rotherham children and families in need.

The appeal has again teamed up with Rother FM and Parkgate Shopping as well as many other organisations in the efforts to surpass last year’s delivery of food and toys to hundreds of children and families.

The Appeal got underway on Friday November 11th with the launch of Parkgate Shopping and Rother FM’s 'giving trees'. The trees are being placed around the shopping complex where anyone can go along, collect a gift tag and buy a suitable present for the age group and gender of child specified on the tag.

The trees will be at the TK Maxx, Argos, Boots, Matalan and Pure Party stores as well as at Parkgate Shopping's Santa's Grotto.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Shaun Wright, said: "In previous years so many people have supported our appeal and we are asking them again to dig deep and help needy families and children across the Borough. It's great to see so many organisations including Rother FM and Parkgate Shopping supporting our campaign and we thank them for their generous help.

"Gifts of new toys and food items can make a massive difference to a family in need and we'd urge everyone to get involved and make Christmas extra special for all our communities."

Rother FM’s Programme Manager James Marriott said: “The toy appeal has been growing every year and it’s fantastic that we have the support of so many people to make it bigger and better than ever.

“Last year, the public of Rotherham really got behind the appeal despite everyone having to tighten their belts a little because of the economic situation. This is a great way for us all to be able to do our little bit during the festive season.”

Denis Copeland, from Parkgate Shopping, said: "We are delighted to be hosting the Toy Appeal again and I'm sure our shoppers will show the generosity that they have displayed in previous years for those less fortunate."

Among the other organisations supporting the Appeal are Willmott Dixon, Mamas & Papas, HSBC's Sheffield Broomhill branch, the charity Scope and a number of local churches.

Any companies, organisations or individuals who want to get involved can contact the Appeal organiser, Ann Levick on 01709 336351 or by email at ann.levick@rotherham.gov.uk

Photo shows Parkgate’s Manager, Denis Copeland (far left) and Operations Manager, Billy Smith(second left) joined Mayor, Cllr Shaun Wright (second right) Lady Mayoress (far right) Denis MacShane MP (fourth left) Ann Levick from Rotherham MBC Children's Services (third left) at the launch. Also pictured was Santa who had just arrived at Parkgate’s very own Christmas Grotto.

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