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Isle Of Wight Radio’s Christmas Toy Appeal Returns For 2022

Right: Asda supporting the Isle of Wight Radio Christmas Toy Appeal in 2021. Left: Isle of Wight Radio's Heather McCallum, Jamie White and Paul Topping, and Christ the King College.

The Isle of Wight Radio Christmas Toy Appeal is back for 2022, with the aim of spreading festive cheer to thousands of less-fortunate children across the Island.

Running until December 9, the appeal is looking for new toys (worth at least £10).

Up to 3,000 children every year benefit from the appeal, which is supported by sponsors Red Funnel.

Since beginning more than a decade ago, over 30,000 gifts have been donated by generous Islanders.

This year, securing donations is even more vital, given the cost of living crisis the country is facing.

Claire John, Managing Director at Isle of Wight Radio, said: 

“Everyone at Isle of Wight Radio is delighted to be bringing back the Christmas Toy Appeal for another year. We know from our previous appeals just how important it is to the Island and those who are less-fortunate. We’ve been involved from the very start and have seen first hand the incredible difference it has made to thousands of young lives.

“We saw an amazing amount of donations last year — and we’d love to do even better this time round and bring some smiles to faces this Christmas. It means so much to have the support of Islanders. Thank you!”

Those who benefit from the appeal include young carers, children in hospital, sick youngsters, bereaved children or those challenged by poverty and housing problems.

How you can donate or get involved

The Toy Appeal is seeking NEW toys suitable for children aged 0-16.

They can be donated at official drop-off points. These include:

  • Isle of Wight Radio
  • Tesco, Ryde
  • Morrisons, Newport
  • The Entertainer, Newport
  • Asda, Newport
  • Red Funnel (West Wight Fast Cat Terminal)
  • Red Funnel (East Cowes Terminal)
  • Pocket full of pebbles (Cowes)
  • Inner Space Storage (Cowes)
  • Choice Carpets (Lake)
  • West Wight Sports Centre (Freshwater)
  • Toymaster (Ryde and Shanklin)
  • East Cowes Town Hall
  • Home Bargains (Newport)

Want to go a step further and host a fundraiser? A Christmas jumper day at work? A school mufti day? Every donation counts.


Unwrapped donations at Isle of Wight Radio and the Beacon Magazine HQ in 2021

Remember to let the team at Isle of Wight Radio know about your efforts so they can give you a mention on air!

Fran Collins, Chief Executive of Red Funnel, said: 

“Helping ensure every child on the Island has a special Christmas is really important to us, so we’re humbled to support the Isle of Wight Radio Toy Appeal and turn our East and West Cowes terminals into Toy Appeal drop-off points.

“We’d like to say a big, advance thank you to all those able to contribute and help make Christmas special for these deserving young people. Your kindness and generosity will make a difference.”

For more information, head to iwradio.co.uk.

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