Rotherham Council is supporting the Rotherham Christmas Toy Appeal to bring festive cheer to families in need across the borough.

The annual campaign by local charity Families First saw more than 2,000 gifts handed out last year to children who may otherwise have not had a present to open on Christmas morning.

This year all of Rotherham’s 15 Libraries will act as collection and drop off points for those who wish to be involved across the borough. In each library a “giving tree” will be displayed where you can collect a tag from one of its branches specifying a particular age (from new-born up to the age of 18) and gender. The present can then be handed into a staff member at your local Rotherham library.

Before Christmas Eve, the gifts will be delivered to families in need so each child will wake up to a present in their stocking or under the tree.

The Council’s Children and Young People’s service work with Families First to identify children to benefit from the campaign.

The appeal is also supported by RB1 Radio, Parkgate Shopping Centre, and Rotherham Advertiser. and was launched by the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Khan, on Monday 7 November at Parkgate Shopping Centre, which also acts as a collection point.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Victoria Cusworth, said: “The Christmas Toy appeal is a fantastic way that residents across Rotherham can help to support children who otherwise may not get a present this Christmas. To give to the appeal doesn’t need to cost a lot, but the effect it will have on the children part of the appeal is huge. I am proud that our local residents get behind the campaign in such great numbers every year.”

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Councillor David Sheppard, said: “Christmas can feel very different for children and young people who have experienced difficult times, but with thanks to Families First we are able to help bring the magic of Christmas back as many children will receive a present to unwrap on Christmas morning. I am pleased that our Libraries are able to support the appeal this year and make it easier than ever for people across the borough to donate to such a fantastic cause.”

To find your local library, visit here.