Lloyds customers boost NHS charity’s Christmas toy appeal

Generous customers and staff at Lloyds Bank in Rotherham organised a Christmas toy bank appeal for poorly hospital children.

The Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity was the grateful recipient of a host of toys collected at the Wellgate-based branch in December.

The team also hosted regular in-store book sales in 2022, raising £268 for the charity.

Fay Elliott, Lloyds Bank Consultant, said: “We work in partnership with small and local charities to help them thrive and communities grow stronger. We know times are tough for many people right now and we wanted to do something to support local children who are in hospital this Christmas.

“Our customers have been incredibly generous, donating three sacks full of toys. We couldn’t have asked for a more heartfelt response. We feel really proud to help the charity make children smile while they’re away from home in hospital this Christmas.”

The Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity raises money to fund the extra-special resources, equipment and projects which the NHS cannot afford.

In 2022, generous donations from the community enabled the charity to provide artwork, entertainers and musicians for the Children’s Ward, resources for the Special Care Baby Unit to celebrate International Kangaroo Care Day and World Prematurity Day as well as goodies for afternoon tea parties for patients across the hospital, encouraging hydration which is vital in a patients recovery and general wellbeing.

Rachael Dawes, Head of Fundraising, said: “We have been absolutely bowled over by people’s generosity this Christmas. We are so grateful to everyone at Lloyds Bank and their generous customers for creating the Christmas toy bank. Every one of the gifts will be gratefully received this Bank Holiday.”

The gifts will really make youngsters smile while we care for them this Christmas.”

For more information about how you can fundraise in 2023, get in touch with the charity team on 01709 426821 or trft.charity@nhs.net.

Find out more about the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity here.