Scarborough's Toy Appeal: As deadline nears, can you bring some festive cheer to a child this Christmas?

Scarborough's Christmas Toy Appeal, run by Scarborough Rotary Club and the local Salvation Army, collects new and unwrapped toys for children in Scarborough to ensure everyone has a present to unwrap on Christmas Day.

Donations need to be dropped off before Friday December 4 at Peace of Mind Financial Solutions Ltd in Falsgrave Road, 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday; The Salvation Army Citadel on Alma Parade on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10am and noon; or at Morrisons in Eastfield.

Last year more than 13,000 toys were donated with 19 businesses pledging their support. This year 29 businesses have made the toy appeal their Christmas project, with the hopes of surpassing last year's total.

Mr Wood, a Rotarian and boss of Peace of Mind Financial Solutions Ltd said: "Instead of staff sending each other presents and toys, they buy a toy and donate it to this appeal and what some companies have done is whatever the number of toys that have been raised previously, the company match them. So this year has been challenging, but it is just fantastic to be part of this really."

Mr Wood said that he was fortunate growing up as a little boy. Despite his parents not having a lot they always ensured that they had a good family Christmas, which he now wants to ensure for his local community.

"There's so much need out there and I feel I'm very privileged and very blessed. Those in society that have, I think it's really important that they share with those that have not."

Reminiscing about his Christmases growing up, Mr Wood said: "I saw a picture the other day of a Wembley trophy ball on a Facebook page and somebody said can you remember this? and that was my favourite thing as a kid.

"I always wanted a Wembley trophy. I was massively into my sport and I remember as a lad getting my first cricket bat and football boots. I remember Subbuteo and Scalextric, but I never had a Hornby train set, maybe that's for some retirement project in the future."

The toy service will be going ahead this year, but due to the pandemic it will be taking place online on Scarborough Salvation Army's Facebook page at 6pm on Sunday December 6.