The Mayor’s Toy Appeal 2016 which has a new head quarters on Camden Road, officially launched Friday November 8 in the town centre.
Mayor James Scholes is backing the project which encourages residents to donate toys at the various drop-off points to then be distributed across the borough.
Last year, the scheme broke its record with more than 500 children receiving at least three major presents as well as stocking fillers.
As reported in the Times last month, event organiser Karen Collins had warned that this year’s appeal was under threat after the charity had struggled to find suitable premises.
The appeal had been operating at the Big Yellow Self Storage in Tunbridge Wells but had outgrown it as a base.
Now, IT providers CMS Group in Camden Road, has stepped in at the eleventh hour to provide the appeal a place in which to operate.
Ms Collins said: “We are enormously grateful to CMS Group for their generosity in allowing us a space.
“My hopes for this year are that we get enough toys and gifts to enable all the children to have a sack, as the numbers are rising each year.
“We have so many lovely thank yous from parents and referees after Christmas that reduce us to tears and make us aware that all the work is so worth it. We are so grateful for the continuing support of the local people and businesses.
“At this early stage we have already received nearly 300 referrals, so anticipate that we will certainly equal and likely exceed last year’s total of 520 referrals and sacks!”
Founded in 1989, the appeal has allowed thousands of children to have something to open on Christmas Day who may not otherwise have received a gift at all.
Donations can be dropped off from now until December 11. Gifts should be not be used or include soft toys, weapon-type toys or candles.
For more gift ideas and to find your nearest drop off point, visittwmta.co.uk
