Following the incredible success of last year’s Mayor’s Charity, which ensured 30 local children and young people received gifts on Christmas Day, the community initiative is back.
Jimmy and Joy Houlihan kicked off the town’s festive generosity this week, handing over the first batch of toys to launch the 2026 campaign. Their early contribution proves that community spirit is alive and well, ensuring the appeal can reach every family in need.
Last year’s campaign brought a massive sigh of relief to hard-pressed families, delivering toys, games, and gifts directly to 30 young people who otherwise might have faced an empty stocking. With households still facing tight budgets, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Town Councillors decided to keep the momentum going. By transitioning the initiative into an annual Toy Appeal, the council aims to match or exceed last year’s total, spreading festive joy across even more households in Chilton.
How You Can Help
The appeal relies entirely on the generosity of local residents, businesses, and community groups and this year the town council is looking for donations of:
- New and unwrapped toys for all age groups
- Gifts for teenagers, who are often the hardest to buy for
- Selection boxes and festive treats
- Gift vouchers for older children
You can drop off your purchased gifts at Hutton House; all gifts and donations must be received by 1 December so they can be delivered with packs of wrapping paper before 14 December.
To confidentially refer a child/children, please contact the Town Clerk with your name, contact details, approximate number age, gender of children requiring gifts and she will be in touch for further information. Please note the children must live within the Chilton town boundary.
For more on gift ideas or how to confidentially refer a family visit chiltondurham-tc.gov.uk.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
