An accountancy business in Swindon has offered its office in Old Town as a collection point for the annual Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal.

The appeal is now in its eighth year and has supported thousands of children from low income and vulnerable families across the area.

In 2023, more than 27 per cent of Swindon households with children under 13 were living in poverty.

Last year’s appeal helped 322 families and gifts were given to 620 children.

Haines Watts Swindon has stepped up to help the appeal again this year.

Anna-Marie Healy, regional marketing manager for Haines Watts in the South West, said: “We are happy to be supporting the Swindon Toy Appeal again by becoming a collection point for donations of new toys.

"The need is great, and the people of Swindon are always so generous  with their support for the children that benefit from this appeal.”

Churches, businesses, schools, and organisations will collect donations of new toys for children aged from birth to 17 years. Families will be nominated to receive presents by agencies in the town, and by participating churches or schools.

Referred families will then receive a personalised voucher which they can redeem at churches around Swindon in the two weeks running up to Christmas.

The appeal will until December 1 and the Haines Watts office is one of 12 collection points around the town.

The offices at Old Station House, Newport Street, Swindon, SN1 3DU will be open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Any questions can be directed to Haines Watts team by calling 01793 533838.

Dawn Prosser who is the toy appeal coordinator, said: “We are delighted that the Haines Watts team has again come forward to bring this appeal to reality. This appeal relieves so much stress for families already under huge financial pressure.”

For more details about the appeal and how to make a donation go to gatewaychurchswindon.org.uk/toy-appeal