Chilton Town Council annual Christmas Toy Appeal is underway, calling on the local community to help bring holiday joy to children in need.
The council is asking residents, businesses, and community groups to donate new, unwrapped toys and gifts to ensure that every child in Chilton experiences the magic of Christmas morning.
The initiative supports local families who may be facing financial hardships during the festive season. By organising this town-wide effort, the council aims to ease the burden on parents and spread warmth throughout the neighbourhood.
The community spirit is already shining bright this year with two incredible contributions leading the way. The council is deeply grateful to Jimmy and Joy Houlihan, who kickstarted the appeal with the very first donation.
Following this wonderful start, the appeal received another massive boost with a second large donation from local fundraising group, the Coffin Dodgers.
The Coffin Dodgers are a group of retired gentlemen who meet every Thursday night at the Wheatsheaf public house in Chilton. The group has become legendary in the area for their unique and light-hearted approach to fundraising.
Every week, they buy a bottle of whisky between them and charge each other a sum for each dram – a clever system that ensures the total money raised eventually far exceeds the original cost of the bottle.
All the funds gathered from their weekly whisky nights are poured directly back into the community, supporting various local and national charities.
Their recent contribution to the Toy Appeal highlights the remarkable, humble generosity that defines Chilton’s residents.
Supporting the appeal is simple. The council is seeking donations suitable for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Gift ideas include:
Infants & Toddlers: Rattles, building blocks, sensory toys, and soft books.
Primary School Children: Board games, action figures, dolls, craft kits, and puzzles.
Teenagers: Books, gift vouchers, toiletry sets, headphones, and sports equipment.
Please note: All donations must be brand new and left unwrapped so organisers can match the gifts to appropriate age groups.
Donations can be dropped off directly at the town council offices during standard office opening hours.
All gifts must be received by 1 December to allow volunteers enough time to wrap and distribute them to families ahead of Christmas.
Every single donation, no matter how small, makes a massive difference in a child’s life this Christmas.
Thank you to Jimmy, Joy, the Coffin Dodgers, and everyone in our wonderful community for your continued generosity.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
