Valli launches annual toy appeal

Valli Optometry & Audiology has launched its annual Christmas toy appeal to bring festive cheer to children spending Christmas in hospitals across the North West.

In 2020, James Houlihan and the team at Valli Opticians & Audiology in Birchwood Shopping Centre in Warrington, formed a partnership with the local charity, William’s Gift, which supports children and their families during hospital stays.

The initiative sees donations of new toys gathered to provide for young patients at four major hospitals: Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Warrington Hospital, and Tameside General Hospital.

Houlihan commented: “Every child deserves to smile at Christmas, especially those facing the challenge of a hospital stay.”

“We’re proud to see how our community has embraced this appeal over the past four years, and we’re excited to make this year even more special,” he added.

The 2022 campaign

The appeal welcomes donations of new toys suitable for children from newborn to 16 years old.

The Birchwood Shopping Centre practice is a donation point, while Home Bargains has joined as a key partner of the initiative with drop-off points at its Birchwood Shopping Centre, Junction Nine Retail Park, and Widnes locations.

An Amazon wishlist has been created for those wishing to donate but unable to visit a drop-off point.

The appeal runs until 20 December 2024.