SAINTS have donated toys to Southampton City Council’s annual toy appeal, with Ryan Manning making a visit to the appeal to help out.

This is the fourth year in a row that the club have donated toys as part of their commitment to supporting the local community. 

Now in its 35th year, Southampton City Council’s annual appeal sees people and local businesses donate thousands of toys that are then gifted to young people up to 18 years old.

Those gifts are given to people who are supported by the council’s children’s services and families who are facing financial difficulty.

The aim is about is to spread some festive cheer and make sure they have a special present to open on Christmas Day. 

This year the club have donated a range of bikes as well as smaller toys, gift vouchers, and items most in need.

Daily Echo:

Men’s player Manning visited the council’s toy appeal office which is run by over 300 volunteers. He spent time speaking to volunteers as well as helping to sort through the toys donated. 

“Christmas can be a difficult time for so many people, particularly young people," Manning said.

"It was great to be able to come down and meet the volunteers who are all working so hard and contribute to help ensure no young person is waking up on Christmas morning feeling alone or forgotten.”

Director of community for Southampton Football Club, Greg Baker added: “We are proud to support the Southampton City Council toy appeal again. 

"It’s important to us that we help make a difference to the lives of people in our city. We hope that this donation can help spread some festive cheer and bring a smile to those most in need.”  

Daily Echo:

Councillor Alex Winning, Cabinet Member for children and learning said: "With the help of the local community, businesses and partners such as Southampton FC, we are hoping to make Christmas special for as many children and young people who are looked after by Children’s Services as possible.

"It was great to welcome Ryan down at the toy appeal sorting room to see first-hand how important the appeal is to our city, particularly for babies and teenagers, ages that we traditionally struggle to collect toys and gifts for."

Members of the public can still contribute to the appeal if they are able to do so, and several toy and gift drop-off points are available in the city including Westquay Shopping Centre.

The full list of available drop-off points is as follows:

Westquay level three, next to Auntie Anne’s Pretzels - Any day (9am-8pm)

Civic Centre or One Guildhall Square reception desk - Monday-Friday (9.30am-5pm)

Libraries: Central, Shirley, Lordshill, Thornhill, Bitterne and Portswood - Monday-Saturday (10am-4pm)

Tudor House - Monday-Thursday (10am-3pm) and Saturday-Sunday (10am-5pm)

Southampton City Art Gallery - Monday-Friday (10am-3pm) and Saturday (10am-5pm)

Sea City Museum - Any day (10am-5pm)

Marlands Customer Service Desk on the ground floor - Any day (9am-5pm)

The MAST - Any day (10am-5pm)

St Patricks Catholic Primary School, Woolston - Monday-Friday (9am–3pm)

All drop-off points will be open until 4pm on Sunday December 17.

This year there is also an increased need for presents for older children aged 12-18, particularly for young men so a wish list has been created. For anyone who wishes to contribute please see the wish list below: 

Man bags, touch screen gloves, headphones, hair dryers, rucksacks, hats and gloves, lava lamps, sports equipment (football, basketball, goalie gloves), wireless speakers, boxing gloves and makeup.