IT'S that time of year again!
Since 2010, Croydon Advertiser readers have shown incredible generosity, by donating a veritable shed-load of goodies to our annual Christmas toy appeal.
Now, we're asking you to dig deep again, to gives those children having to spend Christmas - or the build-up to it - in hospital, a spot of festive cheer.
Your toys will be donated to Croydon University Hospital's children's ward, and other deserving causes.
Among those to benefit from your kindness last year was little George Tappenden, who excitedly unwrapped your donated gifts after a tough few months for his family.
The toddler was diagnosed with SMA – a muscle wasting disease which leaves children unable to bear their own body weight – aged just 18 months last November.
But thanks to your generosity, brave George had a Christmas to remember. His mother Lucy Frost, from Addiscombe, said that George was still playing with the toys "all the time".
She added: "The Croydon Advertiser readers have offered us so much support from the very beginning.
"We were so pleased when we received the toys and it helped George have a good Christmas. Everyone should give generously to the appeal because it can really help people."
The toys and games donated will be given out at the hospital during a now traditional presentation by the stars of this year's Fairfield Halls panto.
Advertiser editor Glenn Ebrey said: "I know times are tough but any donation, however small, could help make at least one child's Christmas.
"If you're a shop or business willing to donate to the appeal too, we'd love to hear from you."
Jennie Thompson, Paediatric Clinical Nurse Manager at the hospital, said: "Nobody wants to be ill over Christmas and although we make sure Santa knows where we are, it is tough on children who are poorly over the festive period.
"The generosity of people for the appeal in the last four years has been phenomenal."
HOW TO DONATE ALL toys donated to the appeal must either be new, or nearly new and in pristine condition. Toys can be for babies, toddlers or older children up to 17-years-old. But if you are wrapping your gifts please make sure you label who they are for, an approximate age and whether it is for a boy or a girl. We cannot accept soft toys, for hygiene reasons. You can bring the presents to the NHS Croydon building at 12-18 Lennard Road, Croydon, from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
HOW TO DONATE ALL toys donated to the appeal must either be new, or nearly new and in pristine condition. Toys can be for babies, toddlers or older children up to 17-years-old. But if you are wrapping your gifts please make sure you label who they are for, an approximate age and whether it is for a boy or a girl. We cannot accept soft toys, for hygiene reasons. You can bring the presents to the NHS Croydon building at 12-18 Lennard Road, Croydon, from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
