'The Big Community Christmas' - Toy Appeal 2020
Published: 19 November 2020
‘The Big Community Christmas’ – Toy Appeal 2020
The COVID Crisis saw the formation of Community Hubs in Hythe and Romney Marsh which brought together local community groups working together in a co-ordinated way to help the local community during a time of great need. These hubs, various community groups, town councils, businesses and schools etc, are aiming to work together to ensure that no child in our community goes without a gift at Christmas.
To this end, the toy appeal which The Salvation Army has run in previous years, is being extended into a wider, more general appeal. This isn’t intended to cut over other excellent work that happens locally, but provides a way to build on existing structures and systems. The appeal covers Hythe and Romney Marsh and there will be two sorting/distribution centres for Toys: The Salvation Army in Hythe and Romney Resource Centre. Both centres will work together to ensure that donations of toys are matched to the referrals received and that donations of toys get to where they need to be.
There are, naturally, lots of concerns about donating toys due to COVID, especially during the second national lockdown. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed with The Salvation Army that donating to a toy appeal counts as one of the permitted lockdown activities (under the ‘Voluntary Act’ category) but people may not feel comfortable doing this, or able to buy toys due to store closures. As such, people may wish to send an online order to either: Romney Resource Centre Unit 4, Mountfield Road, TN28 8LH or The Salvation Army (Office) – 88 Shepherds Walk, Hythe, Kent, CT21 6PZ, purchase gift cards in lieu of a physical donation or make a financial donation at www.justgiving.com/HytheSAChristmasAppeal (making a note in the comments that the donation is for the Toy Appeal). They also need donations of large/extra large Christmas Bags.
Due to COVID complications and quarantine requirements, they are asking for donations to be received by Friday 11th December if possible: this will mean they are received in time for the bulk of distribution, which happens in w/c 14th December.
What items can be donated?
All Items need to be new and unwrapped. Toys, Board Games, Books, Craft Kits and things to make/do make great gifts and they need toys for all ages including babies, toddlers and teenagers. Items that are bulky, second-hand or promote violence are usually less suitable.
How can referrals be made for the beneficiaries of the appeal?
In previous years, the Family
Liaison Officers (FLOs) or similar roles at local schools have worked really
hard to ensure that referrals are received and they are great ‘on the ground’
contacts for families in need as are teams from Family Support/Social
Services/Family Centres etc. They also provide a natural network for
distribution of the gifts, thus reducing the administrate burden centrally.
This is their preferred method of referral.
This year, they’re asking FLOs to email referrals to Callum.McKenna@salvationarmy.org.uk (for both Hythe and Romney Marsh referrals) by Friday 4th December (or earlier if possible). Referrals received by FLOs need simply to include a Family Group Number (e.g. “A” “B” “C” or “1” “2” “3”) and then a breakdown of child by age and gender. If the referral includes a child that doesn’t attend the school (e.g. High School or Nursery) it is also helpful to know which school that child attends to avoid duplication of referrals.
They are able to take individual referrals directly, however. The first port of call to raise one of these would be to complete the online referral form which is being put out by the Community Hubs facilitated by Age UK Hythe and Lyminge and Romney Marsh Day Centre: https://forms.gle/tedQexqz94SY9nRPA How Will the Toys be Distributed?
The Salvation Army and Romney Resource Centre will match the referrals to the donations received during W/C 14th December, in order to get them to schools/those who have made referrals in time for the Christmas Break and to meet the required Quarantine Period of 48hours. There will be some scope to deal with emergencies beyond this date.
Toys will be distributed unwrapped in Christmas bags. This further helps with the COVID requirements as it means less people are handling the gifts less often and it means that as few people as possible are required in the buildings for sorting the toys.
Who Can I Contact for More Information?
· Hythe Salvation Army – Callum McKenna - Callum.McKenna@salvationarmy.org.uk / 01303 268 792
· Romney Resource Centre – Amanda King - amanda@romney-resource.co.uk - 01797 367455
· Age UK Hythe & Lyminge / Hythe Community Support Hub – Cleo Smith - co@ageukhl.org.uk - · 01303 269 602
· Romney Marsh Day Centre/ Romney Marsh Community Hub – Jon Wilson- jon.wilson@rmdc.org.uk - 01797 363888