A festive toy appeal that brings joy to Swindon children is celebrating its fifth anniversary this Christmas.

Reece Chaplin and his wife Stephanie started the Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal in 2020 after seeing the impact the Covid lockdown had on families unsure how to make ends meet at Christmas.

Since then, the appeal has raised £17,400 and helped 3,300 children in Swindon and surrounding areas, thanks to public donations and collaborations with local businesses.

Mr Chaplin said: “A gift is not just a gift. It can play a pivotal role in deciding what a child wants to be when they’re older, or give them an escape from the realities of perhaps a challenging home life.

“Everyone goes through struggles so if we can do anything to help lift some of that pressure and strain, that is the greatest gift.”

The appeal uses donations to buy presents for children that may otherwise go without gifts on Christmas Day, as well as relying on the help of companies and other charities to make festive dreams come true.

Some of the gifts already donated Some of the gifts already donated (Image: Reece Chaplin) Alongside support from Smyths Toys, Swindon-based Emerald Windows & Doors, Gustoso Café, Bravos Barber Shop, Roves Farm and the Lazy Frog shop are also lending a helping hand, while children’s charity Fence Club has already donated five boxes of toys.

A Santa’s Grotto at the McArthur Glen designer outlet has been set up to raise funds, and there is a donation point at Arlot Media for people to give toys. The Save On Tyres shop is also donating £1 for every Maxxis tyre sold.

Mr Chaplin said: “All our extra time is invested into making this appeal as good as it can be for the children, but none of it would be possible without the help we get from the community.”

Channel 5 will also be shining a spotlight on the appeal, which is set to feature as part of the channel’s coverage of people making a difference in their communities this Christmas.

Mr Chaplin is hoping that their fifth fundraiser can build on the successes of 2023’s edition which was particularly important for the pair.

“Last year was quite a special one as it was the first year we could involve our little girl Florence in the appeal, and show that it’s never too early to start helping others," he said.

“Having a kid ourselves now makes everything about the appeal feel more heightened.”

One of the donation boxes set up for the appeal One of the donation boxes set up for the appeal (Image: Reece Chaplin) The appeal is partnering with local charities to help share the giving spirit, including by helping refugee children in the area. Other partners include Wiltshire Treehouse, which helps children going through bereavement, and the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service.

Approximately 600 children have already been signed up to benefit from this year’s fundraiser, with hundreds more likely to join.

To support the appeal and find out more, click here.

Martin and Mandy Brett are the managing directors of Emerald Windows & Doors who will be donating for the fourth year in a row.

They said: "We're proud to support the Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal. Knowing these gifts will bring joy to local children facing difficult times this Christmas is truly inspiring.

"We hope our contribution helps brighten the season for families who need it most and inspires others to join this incredible cause."

Matt Higgins, director of Arlot Media, said: "As a parent, I believe every child deserves to feel that Christmas magic.

"Giving is such an important part of what makes Christmas special, and supporting this appeal is a way for us all to come together and make it a reality for those less fortunate in our community."