kmfm Christmas toy appeal A Shed Load of Toys collects hundreds of gifts for children

More than 1,000 toys have been given to children in Kent facing a difficult Christmas thanks to the outstanding generosity of families in the county.

Hundreds of toys and gifts for sick children, those in care or in families struggling to make ends meet, have been distributed to hospitals, charities and social services organisations thanks to our sister radio station kmfm's Shed Load of Toys appeal.

The campaign, supported by Skinners Sheds, saw our kmfm Street Teams collecting donations of new toys at shopping centres and in towns across the county in the run up to Christmas.

Skinners Sheds at various locations also served as collection points where families could drop off toys and presents they had chosen and bought for a child in need.

And since the campaign launched at the end of November, teams have been inundated with generous donations from residents who went out and bought a gift for a child they didn't know.

Medway Hospital, Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury Social Services, KCC Social Services at Joynes House in Gravesend, QEQM Hospital in Margate and the Homestart charity were among those to receive bundles of goodies which will now be distributed by these organisations to either families or children they know who are in need of support and kindness over the festive period.

Myra Blair, social work assistant at County Hall Maidstone, said: "We have some really happy families, especially those who are having very little this year and have struggled with just the basics like food. For some families these presents will be the only ones they will be opening this year.

"Can you thank the people responsible from the bottom of our hearts. It really has made a difference to those in desperate need and will make some children’s Christmas better than what it would have been."