THE people of Redditch have once again risen to the challenge of providing for the needy this Christmas.
Across both the Christmas toy appeal run by St Stephen’s Church and the Christmas foodbank appeal, run by the charity Acts of Kindness, residents have responded with big-hearted generosity and kindness.
“We should be proud of our community, the way they are helping people,” said Rev Robin Baker from the Oasis Christian Centre.
“I cannot give you any figures but we have the highest demand we’ve ever had for the foodbank.
“We have also had some very generous financial donations – people have once again been outstanding.
“That is the word – outstanding – we have a lot of very generous people in Redditch who care about their community.”
And he praised the volunteers who have helped bring it all together.
“Without our volunteers we could never have achieved this, because people have been generous with their time too,” he said.
The Christmas toy appeal was officially launched on November 27 and was immediately backed by the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and your Redditch Standard and local communities, including Sixth Formers at Trinity High School.
It saw St Stephen’s church warden Elaine Whitfield at the wheel of her ‘toy bus’ and touring the districts collecting toys from local people.
Meanwhile the Kingfisher, as well as donating £1,000 to the cause, also opened up its visitors office as a drop off point for toys.
“We have got eight tables absolutely full of toys and three more are on their way.
“We really do have a wonderful community out there of generous people.”
The toys, which are all new and will be wrapped up, are available on receipt of a voucher from agencies like Reach CIC, social services and the borough council.
However Rev Baker said: “If someone is desperate for toys this Christmas we might be able to help them.
“We cannot guarantee it but we will try if we can.”
For more information, email: [email protected].
