Suffolk Libraries and BBC Radio Suffolk are celebrating the success of their second Be Kind to a Kid Christmas toy appeal.
An amazing 3,800 brand new toys have now been generously donated by Suffolk residents and businesses!
The appeal was first launched in 2023 to help make Christmas extra special for some Suffolk families by passing on donations of new toys to children who need them. The idea came from BBC Suffolk’s Breakfast presenter Wayne Bavin who approached Suffolk Libraries with the idea of the county’s 45 libraries acting as donation points. Last year’s appeal saw 2,500 toys donated with this year’s total seeing an increase of over 1,300 toys.
Suffolk Libraries staff and volunteers have worked hard to sort the toys and work with around 30 charities, hubs and groups across the county to get them to families experiencing tough times so their children could have an extra present this Christmas. Books, puzzles and games have also been included in the donations.
Suffolk Libraries and BBC Radio Suffolk would like to thank every single person who donated a toy or support the appeal.
Be Kind to a Kid was boosted by a generous pledge from Suffolk-based nursing agency Advantage Angels who spent £10,000 on 740 toys to donate to the appeal. Others who have supported the appeal include:
James Powell is Communications Manager at Suffolk Libraries and has been coordinating the Be Kind to a Kid appeal. He said:
“We want to thank everyone who has supported the appeal this year! It makes us all feel proud to live in Suffolk to see so many people getting behind the campaign by donating toys or giving up their time. Every single toy will be appreciated and hopefully by working together we’ve made hundreds of children across Suffolk happier this Christmas. The appeal has also highlighted the work of the many people and organisations across the county who work all year round to support families and children who are facing challenging circumstances.”
Terry Underhill, Executive Editor of BBC Radio Suffolk, added:
“When Wayne came up with the idea to put smiles on the faces of children in Suffolk, we had no idea just what an impact it would have. To know that 3,800 children will wake up on Christmas morning with a special gift, thanks to the wonderful generosity of everyone who donated, fills our hearts with joy.
"We're thrilled to have collaborated with Suffolk Libraries again this year and we'd like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and passion in making this campaign such a success".
The list of charities and organisations who have been involved in the appeal has grown this year and includes: Suffolk County Council’s fostering team and family hubs, Homestart, Families Together, Emmaus Suffolk, Lighthouse Women’s Aid, Restore Women’s Aid, the Complex Care team at West Suffolk Hospital, the DWP, Riverside Coupals Court, Suffolk Refugee Support, Ormiston Families, Suffolk Family Carers, Abbeycroft, IP17 Good Neighbour Scheme, Free Food in Haverhill, Inspiring Ipswich Foodbank, Fresh Start Charity, BME Suffolk, Project 47, Baby Basics, Sudbury Salvation Army, Epic Dads and Innov8.
Be Kind to a Kid has been part of Suffolk Libraries wider Warm Welcome campaign which reminds people of the many ways libraries can help anyone affected by the rising cost of living or heating their homes during the colder months. As well as warm and welcoming spaces and free WiFi and computer access, libraries also free items including free period products and hot drinks.
Find out more at suffolklibraries.co.uk/warm-welcome
You can also make an online donation to help us continue to run vital services like these which help communities across the county.
