Lidl is launching ‘toy banks’ in stores nationwide, allowing shoppers to donate Christmas gifts for children in their area, in response to pleas from charities.
From 3 November, the discounter is to add collection points to over 940 stores, where shoppers can leave new and unopened toys and games for children at risk of going without at Christmas.
Lidl said eight out of 10 of the charities and community groups it currently partnered with said toys and games were one of the most needed donations in their communities over the festive period after food.
Food redistribution platform Neighbourly is to co-ordinate collection of the donations for charities and community groups local to the stores, who can register their interest at neighbourly.com/service/good-causes. Charities and groups participating in Lidl’s ‘Feed it Back’ scheme are already eligible to receive the donations.
Lidl said it would also donate one million meals and £250,000, including £125,000 for the toy bank initiative, over the festive period. The food donations will include products from its festive range.
“It has always been our firm belief that each and every one of our stores must have a positive impact on its community,” said Lidl GB CEO Ryan McDonnell.
“This year, we wanted to find a meaningful way to help these communities – and so we listened to the 1,500 local charities, food banks and community groups we partner with and heard clearly what they needed: food, toys, and access to funds.
“As a business we are proud to be able to address all three needs.”
Neighbourly CEO Steve Butterworth said: “Our latest community survey has highlighted the financial strain many families are facing this winter. With local charities seeing a drop in both food and financial donations, any support Lidl customers can give is going to be critical.
“For many families, Christmas gifts will be something they will struggle to afford, so a scheme like this which alleviates some of the worry for parents will make a huge difference.”
Toys can be donated until 16 December, when they are to be collected for redistribution.
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