NHS trust launches annual toy appeal to bring Christmas cheer to kids in hospital
Local communities are being invited to give a gift to patients who will spend Christmas at the University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich.
The Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Charity is asking for online cash donations to buy new toys for young patients (aged up to 16) who are too ill to go home for the festive break and winter clothing for vulnerable patients who need extra warm clothes for when they go home.
Donations to the Trust Charity Christmas Appeal can be made via JustGiving page: Christmas Appeal 2022 – JustGiving
People can also donate new toys in the original packaging, such as baby toys, educational toys, arts and crafts sets, board games and toiletries gift sets. The Trust charity asks that people do not wrap gifts and is unable to accept cuddly toys.
Toys can be dropped off at University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s main reception, between 10am-3pm each day, until December 22.
Margarita Vidiella, head of the trust charity, said: “This festive season we are making a plea that you once again get behind us to support these two fantastic campaigns – your gifts will make a huge difference to our patients.”
Robert Cole, head of nursing for children, said: “We run our Christmas toy appeal every year and we are so grateful to the public for their donations.
“It helps us spread some festive cheer as we do everything we can for children and young people who are spending Christmas day in hospital.”
Kate Hudson, lead dementia nurse said: “We would like to make sure that every patient leaves our hospitals warm and cosy.
“We plan to buy warm fleeces, jogging bottoms, hats and gloves from the money raised by this important appeal.”
Pictured top: Staff at UHL get into the spirit ahead of this year’s annual appeal (Picture: LG NHS Trust)