Peterlee-based Harbro Electrical has launched its annual toy donation campaign and already dozens of gifts have been dropped off.
The campaign is organised by Harbro owner Phil Harbord to ensures that children from struggling households in the area receive at least one gift under the tree this year.
The drive has been running since 2020 and has grown into an important community effort supported by residents, local tradespeople, and independent businesses. This year, Harbro is aiming to make the appeal its biggest yet.
The Harbro Christmas Toy Drive is so important as County Durham continues to see high levels of child poverty, with increasing numbers of families unable to afford Christmas gifts. It is also powered entirely by local generosity which really epitomises what Christmas is all about.
Phil Harbord said: “Come on everyone, let’s make sure no local child goes without a gift this Christmas.
“We sadly have many children below the poverty line in our region, and this is one small way we can bring a bit of Christmas magic back into their lives.
“Most of us take for granted that there’ll be gifts under the tree but for so many families, the reality is that there won’t be anything to open on Christmas Day.
“And that’s something we want to change. By making one small donation you can bring a smile to a child’s face and mean they won’t go without this year. Please do support us if you can, a little bit of generosity goes a very long way.”
Toys can be dropped off at Harbro Electrical’s showroom at Whitworth Road in Peterlee until December 19.
