Embracing Generosity: The Annual Toys and Teens Appeal

Amicus, our Sixth Form charity group, eagerly geared up for Leighton Park’s cherished Christmas tradition, the Christmas Toys and Teens Appeal, on the morning of Friday, 17th November. The heartfelt initiative involves the LP community gifting toys and presents to less fortunate children in Reading who might otherwise go without this Christmas. The charity event is run by Reading Family Aid and Leighton Park School actively participates year after year, creating a strong partnership to help address the pressing needs of families facing challenges during this time of giving. 

 Our representative from Reading Family Aid, Laura, joined students in their Collect to share with the students how they can be involved in the donations. She encouraged all to donate suitable new or ‘as new’ toys as long as they are not electrical (unless they are in their original packaging or are branded) and to drop them off to the Main School reception where the Amicus group will then pass them over to the Reading Family Aid at the end of November.  

 After collection from Leighton Park, the toys and gifts will be sorted by gender and age by volunteers in a church hall before other charity organisations, such as Homestart, will choose which gifts are suitable for the families they are supporting this Christmas. Last year the charity collected enough toys for 3,001 children to enjoy gifts and they are aiming for the same number again in 2023. 

 At Leighton Park School, the spirit of Christmas is not only about joy, family, and gifts; it extends to a commitment to Quaker Values and a compassionate awareness of those in less fortunate circumstances. Amidst the Christmas celebrations, a significant number of our students choose to channel their empathy into action, making a conscious effort to support those in need. Over the past five years, the Toy and Teens Appeal has become a powerful testament to the generosity and reflective nature of our students and their families. Each year, as they consider their own privileges, they embrace the opportunity to give back to others, reaffirming Leighton Park’s commitment to making a strong and positive impact to community actions and service.  

Daniils (Lower Sixth) who worked with his fellow Amicus group members to set up the room for the gifts drop off reflected: “The Toys and Teens Appeal is important because it’s the opportunity to give to children that don’t have the opportunity to have the same Christmas as we do.”