The Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal for 2011 was launched today, Monday 21 November, in Royal Victoria Place, by the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Councillor Mrs Elizabeth Thomas.

For over 20 years the Toy Appeal has ensured that local children, who might otherwise receive very little, get a gift at Christmas. Last year over 280 children received a Christmas present because of the incredible work of Toy Appeal volunteer workers and donors.

To work its magic the Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal needs donations of gifts for children from newborn to 16 years. To provide inspiration about what to donate the Christmas gift tags on the Giving Tree in Royal Victoria Place, and other town centre locations, suggest a present a child might like.

Cllr Thomas said: ‘“I am delighted to launch this year’s Toy Appeal, which will bring a little bit of magic into the lives of those children who would otherwise not know of Father Christmas’s annual visit.  Your generosity will be greatly appreciated both by little people and older children in the Borough.”

The Mayor launched this year’s appeal accompanied by staff from St George’s Community Children’s Project, and local supporters of the initiative, Westfield Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre and the Big Yellow Self Storage who are again allowing their storage facilities to be used for the appeal.

Donations can be left at locations in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook, Paddock Wood Pembury and Southborough from Saturday 19 November until Saturday 17 December.

Full details about where to find a Giving Tree and donation points are on the borough council’s website, www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk