Annual Christmas Toybox Appeal launched in Carmarthenshire

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 13th 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.