Thanks to all who helped out and donated to toy appeal

GENEROUS supporters made it another record-breaking year for the Rotherham Toy Appeal, figures from the annual festive scheme have revealed.

There were 2,135 Christmas gifts distributed to some of the borough’s poorest children — topping the previous high of 2,101 in 2021.

Appeal co-ordinator Ann Levick said: “What a success this year’s appeal has been. Once again Rotherham people have come together to provide gifts to open on Christmas morning.

“Without the support of local businesses, churches, schools, local libraries, councillors and members of the public we could not have achieved this; also the massive support from the Advertiser, Parkgate Shopping’s ‘giving trees’ and our local radio station RB1.

“The appeal is something we should all be proud of, because without you all it couldn’t happen.

“The need for such an appeal will always be there but at such a crippling time that everyone is experiencing. I am in awe. What wonderful caring people you are.”

Gifts given through the appeal make their way to the children and young people most in need through organisations like Rotherham Council’s early help service.

Also involved have been the Red Cross, Refuge, Barnardo’s, Swinton Lock, Rema and many others.

Ann added: “The professionals support the families and know their circumstances, and were confident to put them forward for a gift that they wouldn’t otherwise have got to open on Christmas morning.”

Ann paid tribute to her small but dedicated band of “elves” who help to collect, sort and distribute the thousands of presents.

“They worked really hard, so hats off to them,” she added. “We’re not getting any younger!

“I think we need more resident elves, as because of sickness and the weather, it was really hard this time.”

RB1 programme controller and breakfast presenter Stewart Nicholson added: “It was great to be involved again in the Rotherham Toy Appeal and 2022 proved to be the best one so far.

“The generosity from local businesses and organisations and, of course, from our listeners was just fantastic as they took time out of their busy schedules over Christmas to visit Parkgate Shopping and Rotherham libraries to donate a gift.”