A toy appeal in a County Durham town has been hit by double trouble this year, as donations slow down and demand for help rises in the cost of living crisis.
This Christmas is the fourth time Kathryn Rooney has organised a toy appeal at Christmas for the region's neediest families, but the Consett councillor said this year is proving to be the most challenging so far. "People have always been generous, but this year there is a decline in the volume of toys coming in for the appeal by this point," said Kathryn, who represents Consett North on Durham County Council.
"This time last year, I was coming home to many Amazon parcels every day, but this year, it's just not happening. The year we probably need the donations the most is the year that people have cut back the hardest.
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"I work closely with social workers, health visitors and schools as well as women's refuges to make sure the toys are targeted at the children who would go without. Last year, we helped hundreds of local families and I would like to do the same this year.
"Every year we receive some really sad stories who ask for our help. Last year a lady who couldn’t see any other way out of not being able to provide for her children attempted suicide, thankfully help got to her in time and the appeal provided toys for her children.
"The previous year a local family lost their young son to suicide just before Christmas and the appeal donated toys to his siblings. We also helped a little boy who lost his dad weeks before Christmas by buying him a bike and other items he’d asked Santa for."
Kathryn works with a team of volunteers to organise the Toy Appeal, which is also supported by dozens of local businesses. She also has an Amazon gift list for people to buy toys to be sent to her home and also has opened a GoFundMe page for people to donate.
There are also several gift tag trees around the Consett area, where people are invited to take a tag, purchase the gift requested and take it to one of over 35 drop off points, including Lanchester Garden Centre, Lintzford Garden Centre and Consett Leisure Centre.
Kathryn was one of seven people who travelled from Consett to Wroclaw in Poland to volunteer at an orphanage last year, after collecting for Ukraine. The Consett appeal - also arranged by Kathryn - saw 14 full articulated lorries of clothing, kitchenware and toiletries go to Poland.
"With the cost of living, everyone is tightening their belts, and even if they have money, they are hanging onto it in case any unexpected costs come up down the line. I really urge people to donate if they can," said Kathryn.
You can find out more about the appeal by contacting Kathryn on 07859896478.
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