The scheme assisted 830 youngsters last year. Organisers say that figure has risen to 1,016 for this festive season, reflecting increased need in the local community.
Brand new toys have been donated at collection points across the town. They are then taken to the Bible Society, where volunteers are sorting, categorising and boxing thousands of items.
Each gift is arranged by age group and type before being moved to distribution hubs. Parents or nominated representatives will later choose presents for their children. Every child will receive three toys, a stocking filler and a soft toy.
Volunteers from Zimmer Biomet joined the latest sorting session. The operation is overseen by long-standing coordinator Dawn Prosser, who has spent years refining the system to ensure no child goes without.
A total of 112 volunteers are currently involved in sorting, including teams from Swindon businesses and members of the 12th Swindon Old Town Scout Group. More people will take on collection and delivery roles in the coming days, making this one of the appeal’s busiest periods.
In a positive response to the scale of community support, the Mayor of Swindon Fay Howard said the Toy Appeal captures “the generosity and spirit that defines this town”, adding that the rise in donations shows “Swindon’s determination to ensure every child feels valued and included this Christmas”.
Organisers say most age groups are well covered, but donations for children aged nine to twelve and older are still needed. Collection points have been temporarily re-opened until Monday 8 December, with full details available at www.gatewaychurchswindon.org.uk/toy-appeal
