STUDENTS determined to make sure all children had the best Christmas possible this week backed the Advertiser's Toys For Joy campaign.
Coulsdon College health and social care students are promoting our Christmas appeal next week, from December 3 to 7, so that ill children at Croydon University Hospital will get some extra festive cheer.
College bosses have also generously allowed us to use its premises as a drop-off point for residents in the south of the borough.
Denise Wilkinson, who is organising the college's promotion week, said: "We helped the Advertiser's campaign last year, and it was so successful we wanted to do it again.
"We want to let local residents know that if they want to donate, they can just pop their gifts into the college and we will make sure they get to the hospital with all the others.
"Our health and social care students wanted to help, as they are studying a course that involves caring for people.
"They will be going to all the classrooms and asking students to dedicate themselves to bringing in a toy or some money. All the money raised will go towards buying more toys for the children."
Health and social care student Nicola Dixon, 17, is helping with the appeal.
She said: "I think the appeal is important because Christmas is a cheerful time for everyone, but we must remember there are people who won't get as much as we do or who will be spending it in hospital.
"It is important to remember that Christmas is a time for giving presents as well as getting them. I know everyone at college will be really generous and I am sure we will collect lots of toys for the children."
Mrs Wilkinson added: "Students will also be able to donate money to dress up as their favourite childhood toys next Friday, then we will use the money to buy more toys for the appeal.
"If anyone would like to donate and can't get to the usual drop-off centre, please just bring them to the college."
The toys need to be new and suitable for ages from new-born to 17. If you are wrapping them, please make clear an approximate age and gender of the child they would suit.
The college will be open for gifts from 9am to 5.30pm daily. If you are nearer Croydon and would like to donate, please bring your gifts to 12-18 Lennard Road and hand them in to the main reception.
