Chippenham author gets appeal off to a flying start
7:00am Friday 27th November 2009 in Latest News By Katie Bond
Gazette reporters, from left, Alana Lewis, Nicola Curtis and Katie Bond with some of the toys left at our Chippenham office
Salvation Army captain Lisa Goble was delighted to receive a donation of scores of books from author Garry Errill for this year’s Toy Appeal.
Mr Errill, who grew up in Chippenham, got the appeal off to a flying start by giving 70 of his popular children’s adventure books to the appeal, which is supported by the Gazette and Herald.
Miss Goble said: “Garry heard about the appeal in the Gazette last year and offered to donate books at the time but it was too late, so he came forward with the donation this year and we are delighted. It is very generous.”
Miss Goble said the toys are gradually coming in.
She said: “It’s only November so it is early days but the toys are coming in. Last year we found that when it gets to December, people really start getting involved and bringing toys in. All the drop off points are now open so people can drop off easily.
“We have had a real mixture of toys so far this year and we will be doing our first collection run this week and then sorting all the toys out on Friday. At present it looks like we will be providing toys for over 200 children of all ages.”
The appeal runs until December 18. Donations can be left at the Gazette offices in Devizes, Chippenham and Marlborough; the Salvation Hall in Foghamshire; Elite Fashions in Station Hill Chippenham; Westaff in Market Place, Chippenham; and Superdrug in Chippenham and Devizes.
