Children and charities benefited from local radio’s Toy Appeal

More than 2400 toys donated by V2 Radio listeners were collected by local charities and organisations over the Christmas period.

It followed the station’s 6-week toy appeal – in which local people and business’ generosity racked up over £25,000 worth of gifts for children in the community who otherwise may not have received something beneath the tree this year.

One charity collecting gifts included the Second Chance Children’s charity, who describe themselves as ‘at the forefront of caring for children who need special help.’

Having collected boxes of gifts, a spokesperson for the charity said: “We were very lucky to receive a load of gifts and toys from V2 Radio, which we’ve been offering to our families and our youngsters.

“These are youngsters who possibly wouldn’t have received presents under the tree on Christmas morning – and now because of the generosity of V2 Radio and their supporters, our families had a Christmas present to open.”

Another, Arun-based Early Help, shared how the “donations that V2 Radio have provided meant the world to the families that we support. Families are really, really struggling in this climate – but this put a smile on their faces and gave them a good Christmas.”

Collecting toys alongside them included My Sisters’ House, Sussex Snowdrop Trust, Sussex Prisoners’ Families, Naval Children’s Charity, Howard Ward at St Richards’ Hospital and several departments & hubs from West Sussex County Council.

V2 Radio presenter thanks local people for their donations

The Stations Drive Time show presenter Ian Crouch has since thanked “everyone who donated, whether one or lots of toys. You have made it possible for us to put smiles on the faces of children in Sussex.

These families were facing a very different looking Christmas but instead the children that the charities & organisations support got to look forward to a joyous occasion.

“We would also like to thank Knight Fencing who were once again our fantastic sponsors, along with the incredible local businesses & stores who were Donation Points for us.”

Ian also shared his gratitude for the local businesses, schools & groups who organised their own collections for the V2 Radio Toy Appeal.