Officers and staff donate almost 1,000 toys to local charity

Almost 1,000 toys have been donated by officers and staff to the force’s annual appeal to support the Toys on the Table charity.

Toys on the Table is a Leicestershire based charity who distribute Christmas presents to children of all ages who might otherwise not receive anything.

Over the last four years, Detective Sergeant Kate Beel has been driving force in pulling the donation appeal together in force.

Kate co-ordinated donation points across many stations allowing multiple places for people to drop off their new and unused gifts over the past few weeks and has led collecting all the donated gifts ensuring their safe delivery to the charity in Leicester, all of which she has done in her own time.

DS Beel said: “I have been left completely overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and generosity of everyone who has taken the time and expense to donate to the appeal.

“Last year we collected around 400 gifts, and we have massively surpassed that with this year’s total and along with the sheer number of items given, we have received a fantastic range of gifts to give to the youngest of children to those into their teenage years.

“As expected with the cost-of-living crisis, there may be many more families this year who will be worried about being able to afford presents for their children. 

“The Toys on the Table is an amazing charity and through their referral only process, via many agencies such as those in social care and support workers, they ensure that the donations go to the right place and those families that need the most support.”

DS Beel added: “Each and every one of these gifts will make a huge difference to these children this Christmas, so once again, thank you so much to everyone who has taken part.”

For more information about the charity and how you can help, see here: Donate Toys to Charity in Leicester & Leicestershire - Toys on the Table -