Tesco shoppers can spread festive cheer to children across the UK through a special toy collection scheme.
The supermarket giant has launched donation points in more than 800 of its larger stores, inviting customers to gift new, unwrapped toys they’ve bought during their shop.
Donating gadgets and dolls is an easy process: simply pick up an extra toy while doing your regular shopping and drop it in the collection box.
Kicking off this week, the supermarket’s annual campaign runs right through to December 15, giving shoppers plenty of time to contribute.
Local charities chosen by store staff will distribute the toys to youngsters who might otherwise wake up to an empty stocking on Christmas morning.
In Leicester, the Extra store is supporting Christ the King Church, which helps local families facing tough times.
Store community champion, Pari Thanki, stated: “We are pleased to be able to again support the local community by providing toys to those children who will wake up on Christmas morning with very little.
“We already support Christ the King with food donations and look forward to working with them again this year to put a smile on children’s faces.”
Tesco customers have until December 15 to donate new, unwrapped toys
|
TESCO
Newcastle Extra has partnered with Pathways 4 All, a North East charity that organises activities for children with special needs and runs an annual gift appeal for struggling families.
Store community champion Joanne Cooper, from Newcastle Extra, shared her enthusiasm: “We look forward to our toy donation appeal every year. It’s such a special way to spread a little Christmas magic and bring the community together.
“Thanks to the amazing generosity of our customers and colleagues, we can help make sure every child connected with Pathways 4 All has a reason to smile this Christmas.”
‘Our stores are committed to supporting local children and their communities’
|
GETTY
Other organisations that stand to benefit include Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice, Amelia’s Rainbow, Caister Community Larder, and various children’s hospital wards. Local Salvation Army branches and food banks will also receive donations.
Last Christmas saw an incredible 125,000 toys donated by generous Tesco customers, and the retailer hopes to beat that impressive total this year.
Tesco Head of Communities, Claire De Silva, said: “Our stores are committed to supporting local children and their communities year-round, and thanks to the generosity of our customers and colleagues, the annual toy donation campaign is a wonderful way to make a difference at Christmas.
“It’s great to see stores partnering with charities local to them to ensure that every child experiences the magic of Christmas.”
Lidl is embarking on a similar mission to spread festive joy with the return of a popular holiday scheme.
Alongside a new festive advert, Lidl’s toy bank donation initiative highlights that Christmas is more about giving than receiving.
“It’s less ‘me’ and more ‘us’,” the supermarket stated, urging customers to gift new and unopened toys, games, puzzles, books, and arts and crafts materials.
Like Tesco, Lidl is running the initiative until December 15, meaning there’s still plenty of time to get involved.
Shoppers can drop off their gifts at any Lidl store, where they will be distributed to local children through partnerships with charities, food banks, and community groups.