Chiltern Toy bank spreads joy 

Round & About

Samantha Horsman tells us why the  Chiltern Toy Bank team make such a difference  

Christmas should be a time of excitement and joy. However, the economic crisis and financial pressures facing everyone makes it a time of worry and anxiety for many people. Families are concerned about how they can make Christmas special for their children, and some have to choose between heating, food and presents. We know that even buying a few gifts will be a challenge for many, and impossible for some.  

Chiltern Toy Bank provides free toys and gifts at Christmas to children aged 0-18 years old, living in Chesham, Amersham, Prestwood and the surrounding villages. We want to ensure no child has to go without. Although Buckinghamshire is considered an affluent county, Chiltern Toy Bank helped more than 600 children last year and our Toy Bank “Elves’” have been busy.  

If you live in our catchment area and would like to register for support, parents or guardians can complete the form on our website until 24th November. You’ll be able to state what your child likes and doesn’t like so they can receive the right toys and gifts. Our community’s generosity also means we also supply a small selection of stocking fillers for each child aged 3 and up, as well as wrapping paper and sticky tape for parents. 

If you or someone you know lives in HP5, HP6, HP7, HP8, HP16 or SL9 and would like to apply for help, please visit chilterntoybank.org. We’ll always try and help as many families as we can. Alternatively, you can make a monetary donation. If you’re interested in hearing more about what we do, volunteering with us or setting up a similar community project, please get in touch.