A BEVERLEY-based children’s charity has thousands of good quality toys to give away to children in East Yorkshire who are in need.
The Mr Hoggle Doggle charity, which was launched last year, appeals to the public to donate surplus toys, games, puzzles and books into drop-off boxes placed in supermarkets around the region.
The toys are then distributed to children suffering poverty, disability or sickness. The appeal has had an overwhelming response and already 14,000 toys have been handed out, mainly in Hull.
Many of the toys, which all have to be in good condition, have been supplied to social workers, helping children and families in deprived areas of the city.
With around 1,000 toys now coming in every month, the charity has launched a new ‘toy fair’ initiative, aimed at community leaders and centres in disadvantaged areas.
Under the scheme, the charity supplies free toys in bulk, for local organisers to distribute to deserving families however they wish.
Among the first to take up the scheme was Unity in Community, a trust serving the Orchard Park and Greenwood areas of Hull. At its recent open day over 200 toys were given out to delighted youngsters from across the area.
A similar number of toys were handed out at a recent event celebrating the 10th anniversary of LAFSS, the Leisure and Freetime Support Service for disabled children in Hull.
Mr Hoggle Doggle wants to hear from anyone who would like to arrange toy giveaways of any size, provided they meet the charity’s broad criteria, deprivation, disability or illness.
Orders are already being taken for Christmas events.
Charity founder Clare Allan said: “Children are often the innocent victims of problems over which they’ve no control. Toys bring a bit of happiness into their lives, so let’s put some smiles back on their faces!”.
The process for requesting toys is simple, all that’s needed is a phone call to Clare on 01377 270624 or an email to mail@hoggledoggle.org.uk. Full information is on the charity’w website, www.hoggledoggle.org.uk.