The Ely Standard is supporting the Ely Christmas Toy Bank in the weeks leading up to the festive season.
As part of our Christmas campaign, we are supporting the Toy Bank as they look to give as many gifts as possible to help families across East Cambridgeshire who need support.
This week, we hear from Liz Sayers, one of the organisers behind the Toy Bank.
"Debbie Walker, the city centre supermarket’s community lead partner has created a festive ‘grotto’ where shoppers can drop off gifts.
"In the window of Premier Travel at the top of Fore Hill a Christmas tree is already surrounded by generous customers’ gifts bought especially for the Toy Bank."
She recounted a young couple who had no children of their own, visiting the Toy Bank last year to see what was taking place there.
Liz said that the pair returned later on with lots of gifts, saying "we noticed there were fewer gifts for the older age group, so we decided not to buy each other presents this year and we've brought things for the older children."
The couple donated a bag of body washes, grooming products and fragrances for teenagers.
The Toy Bank will open for families to visit at St Mary's Church in Ely for three days in December.
It will first open on Thursday, December 12 from midday until 6pm, on Friday, December 13 from midday until 6pm, and Saturday, December 14 from 10am until 2pm.
The Toy Bank is still accepting gift donations in the city centre, at City Cycle Centre, Fresh Fitness and Dance Studio in Broad Street, Premier Travel and Waitrose.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here