Newry's Toy Mountain appeal returns to make sure no child misses out this Christmas

The organising committee is working feverishly in the background to ensure that no child in the greater Newry area will go without a toy this Christmas.

​Over the past 23 years the ‘Toy Mountain’ has raised £1.85m. This year’s event takes place at 6pm on Wednesday, December 6 at the city’s Canal Court Hotel.

This event is typically attended by over 600 people each year, with each guest asked to bring a toy, or make a donation to the toy mountain appeal.

A spokesperson said: “This year will be a particularly difficult year for so many families, so we will be as always, asking for the local community to come out and support us as much as they possibly can, to help ensure that those children less fortunate receive a toy on Christmas morning.

“This has always been a community wide effort in support of Newry Hospice, St Vincent de Paul Society, The Salvation Army and many other local charities in the area, at a time when needs are most poignant.

“We would encourage everyone to get behind us this year and make this a happy Christmas for all our children.

“We had an overwhelming success last year, raising a staggering total of £125,000. As always the community came out and supported us to help ensure that those children less fortunate received a toy on Christmas morning.

“We are asking people to make a special effort to help us again this year, to give as if it were their own children facing a cold empty Christmas. The St Vincent de Paul Society and Salvation Army depend on your generosity.”

There is also there are a number of locations in the community where toys can be dropped off:

Newry Reporter, Margaret Street, Newry.

Jack Murphy Jewellers, Hill Street, Newry.

All 3 Studio, Hill Street, Newry.

Bradley Estate Agents offices in Newry, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor.

The Quays Shopping Centre, Newry.

Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Newry.

Grant Fit Out, Unit 1 Derryboy Road, Carnbane Business Park, Newry.