Toy donations unwrapped, please

Unlike past years, when we have wrapped toys for donation to charity, the Wellington City Mission is asking that this year toy donations be left unwrapped but in their original packaging.

This is because the Mission has a toy store where families in need can, with dignity, choose something they think is suitable for their children.

https://shareyourchristmas.wellingtoncitymission.org.nz/toy-store/

To save you having to click the link, here is what the Mission has to say about how the toy store works.

“Like the Social Supermarket, the free Christmas Toy Store gives parents, guardians, and grandparents an opportunity to choose a gift for their loved ones at Christmas. All of the items are brand new, and many parents are surprised to see the quality of the gifts, but that really helps them feel dignity during what is a very hard time in their lives.

“Alongside their Mission Social Worker or support person, parents can pick out specific gifts that they would like to give. They can wrap their presents there or take some paper and decorations home, to share that special feeling with their loved ones.

“It’s important to realise too, that it’s not just about toys. The heart of the Toy Store is about giving parents the precious moment of choosing something special to give their children – sometimes for the very first time. And as far as everyone is concerned, their gift has come from them."

There is a box at the clubhouse for donations, which will be taken to the Mission after Saturday 16 December.