Budget supermarket Lidl is running a toy bank in more than 940 stores across the country. The retailer says Lidl Bear’s Toy Bank has had a 'heart-warming response' from customers in its first week.
The supermarket will be collecting new or unopened toys until December 16. It says it will help support families who are facing a difficult Christmas.
The store's community partner, Neighbourly, says two thirds of local causes have reported a drop in financial donations in the last few months. While another survey showed toys and games will be one of the most needed items this Christmas, second only to food donations, for eight in 10 charities.
Donations will be gifted to children that need support in their local area. These can be anything from small stocking fillers to something bigger, with sought-after items including toys, games, books, puzzles and arts and crafts activities for a range of ages,
Toys are being collected by local charities participating in Lidl’s ‘Feed it Back’ scheme, coordinated by Neighbourly, alongside the donated food they pick up weekly. They will then be distributed via local charities and community groups such as food banks and community centres.
In addition, the supermarket has committed £250k for charities during the festive period – including a £125k donation for the toy bank initiative. It has also pledged to donate more meals than ever over the festive period.
Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, said: “It's been really heartening to see the response to this campaign so far. We know that every gift donated to Lidl Bear’s Toy Bank is greatly needed and will make a huge difference this Christmas to the local charity partners and the families they are supporting across Great Britain. We encourage people that can donate a small toy or children’s gift at their local store, to do so in the coming weeks.”
Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer at Lidl GB, added: “Providing those who need it most with food, toys and access to funds is a key focus for Lidl GB this festive season. Through our store network we already partner with 1,500 local charities, food banks and community groups to deliver this support. We are proud to say that our customers have already engaged with Lidl Bear’s Toy Banks across our 940 stores and we hope the momentum will continue to build as we countdown to Christmas.”
