Westside Radio Holds Sixth Ever Toy Appeal
Hanwell-based community station distributes donations to local children
The donated toys being dropped off at a local hospital
December 30, 2024
For the sixth year in a row, Westside Radio, a Hanwell-based community station, has collected and donated toys to children staying at local hospitals and to local children’s charities.
Beneficiaries of its annual toy appeal included the children’s wards at Hillingdon, Northwick Park and West Middlesex hospitals. Donations were also made to nearby Shooting Star Hospice, William Hobbayne Charity, local youth centres - Westside Youth Centre and Bollo Brook Youth Centre and a local refugee charity.
The appeal has been described by Westside Radio spokesperson and presenter Olivia Jackson, as “incredible” in helping to bring smiles to children who are staying in hospital during the Christmas period this year.
Olivia said, "We started the appeal back in 2018 and we are now into our 6th year. The volume of donations seems to increase every year which is thanks to the incredible support and generosity of the community and our partners.
“There were so many toys at Westside HQ it felt like Santa’s workshop. Anyone entering the building including guests and artists were greeted with the site of action figures, dolls and board games. The amount of toys was amazing! The appeal is a really great initiative that allows us to spread a little cheer to children that cannot spend Christmas at home and every time we arrive to drop off the toys all of the staff are so happy to see us. We were once again, able to extend our donations to local children’s charities, youth centres and a local children’s hospice in addition to the local hospitals.”
The campaign was supported by several local businesses and organisations including Hasbro, Global Academy, Ealing Street Dance Academy, Cake Co and Westside Talent.
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