Carmarthenshire County Council launches its annual Christmas Toybox Appeal

Carmarthenshire County Council has launched its annual Christmas Toybox Appeal which helps hundreds of children with families who can’t afford to buy toys or gifts.

Please visit the Newsroom page on the Council’s website to view a full list of all the collection point locations.

Last year saw the Appeal help more families than ever who were struggling financially with more than 9,900 gifts distributed to 1,650 children.

This year people can either give a financial donation or drop off new gifts – from games, arts and craft items to toiletry gift sets for all ages – from 18 months up to teenagers, at one of a number of collection points around the county. Unfortunately, the appeal cannot accept used or second-hand donations.

Schools, family centres, social workers and youth workers identify those who are in greatest need of support and council staff will distribute them in the run-up to Christmas.

The council’s executive board member responsible for the Toybox Appeal, Cllr Linda Evans said:

“Our Toybox appeal is now in its 13^th year and the support we have received during that time from residents, businesses and organisations across the county has been incredible. We kindly ask once again that if you are able to buy an extra gift or to make a donation no matter how big or small, that it will make a huge difference to the hundreds of children across the county who will receive a gift on Christmas day.”

Financial donations can be made online. If you have a cash or cheque donation please call 01267 246504.

Here is a full list of all the collection point locations:

Carmarthen:

• Carmarthen Customer Service Hwb, St Catherine’s Street. SA31 1GA
  Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm
  Friday 9am – 4.30pm
• County Hall, SA31 1JP
  Monday – Thursday 8.45am – 5pm
  Friday 8.45am – 4.30pm
• Tesco, Morfa Lane, SA31 3AX
  Monday – Saturday 6am to midnight
  Sunday 10am – 4pm
• Carmarthen Leisure Centre, Llansteffan Road, Johnstown. SA31 3NQ
  Monday – Friday 6.30am – 9.30pm
  Saturday and Sunday 8am – 6pm

Llanelli:

• Llanelli Customer Service Hwb, 36 Stepney Street. SA15 3TR
  Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm
  Friday 9am – 4.30pm
• Tesco, Parc Trostre, SA14 9UY
  Monday – Saturday 6am to midnight
  Sunday 10am – 4pm
• Morrisons, Pemberton Retail Park, SA14 9DR
  Monday – Saturday 7am to 10pm
  Sunday 10am – 4pm

Amman Valley:

• Ammanford Customer Service Hwb, 41 Quay Street. SA18 3BS
  Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm
  Friday 9am – 4.30pm
• Cwmaman Community Centre, High St, Glanaman. SA18 1DX
  Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm

Llandeilo/Llandovery:

• Hengwrt (Menter Dinefwr) 8, Stryd Caerfyrddin. SA19 6AE
  Monday – Saturday 10am – 4.30pm
• Llandovery Youth & Community Centre, Gerwyn House, Market Square.  SA20 0AB
  Monday – Friday 9am – 5.30pm (except school holidays when opening hours are 9am – 4pm)

St Clears/Newcastle Emlyn:

• St Clears Leisure Centre, Station Road. SA33 4BT
  Monday to Friday 8am – 9.30pm
  Saturday & Sunday 8am – 2pm
• Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre, SA38 9LN
  Monday to Friday 7.30am – 9pm
  Saturday & Sunday 7.30am – 2pm

Kidwelly:

• Burns, Parc y Bocs Farm Shop, Carmarthen Rd.  SA17 5AB
  Monday to Saturday – 9am – 5pm
  Sunday 10am – 4pm

*Hwb Bach y Wlad will also be taking donations. You can view their timetable here to see when they are due to visit a town near you.