Isle of Wight Toy Appeal Returns for 2023

The Isle of Wight Radio Christmas Toy Appeal is back for 2023, 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, around 34,000 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.

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

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.”

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
• Waitrose, East Cowes
• Morrisons, Newport
• The Entertainer, Newport
• Asda, Newport
• Red Funnel (Red Jet Terminal)
• Red Funnel (East Cowes Terminal)
• Pocket Full of Pebbles (Cowes)
• The Toy Shop (Ryde)
• Home Bargains (Newport)
• West Wight Sports Centre
• Choice Carpets, Lake

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