DALE FANS CHALLENGED TO FILL THE FAMILY STAND WITH 476 CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

With Christmas approaching, the Trust is asking the Rochdale AFC faithful to get behind this year’s appeal, with an ambitious target of collecting 476 presents – enough to fill the Family Stand at the Crown Oil Arena.

 

The campaign will see the club and Community Trust work alongside Rochdale Borough Council’s Giving Back Christmas Toy Appeal, helping to ensure that children across the borough have something special to open on Christmas morning.

 

It is a partnership with a proud history. Rochdale AFC and the Community Trust have supported the appeal on several occasions, previously providing a dedicated collection point at the Crown Oil Arena and encouraging supporters to donate gifts for local families.

 

The response from Dale fans has been outstanding. During one previous campaign, an incredible 455 toys were donated at the stadium alone, demonstrating the generosity of a fanbase that has always been willing to support its local community.

 

Now, the Trust wants to go even bigger, setting a target of 476 presents and challenging supporters to help fill the Family Stand with Christmas gifts.

 

Ryan Bradley, Community Director at Rochdale AFC Community Trust, said:

 

“We know how generous Dale supporters can be when it comes to supporting their community, and we’re hoping to see that generosity once again this Christmas.

 

“We’ve supported the Christmas Toy Appeal on a number of occasions and have always been blown away by the response. The 455 toys donated during one of our previous campaigns was a fantastic effort, but this year we’re setting ourselves a target of 476 presents.

 

“We’d love to fill the Family Stand with gifts. Just imagine walking into the Crown Oil Arena and seeing an entire stand full of presents, all donated by Dale fans to make Christmas a little bit brighter for local children.

 

“Christmas should be a special time for every child, and we know that isn’t always possible for every family. A small donation from each of us can make a huge difference.”

 

WHAT GIFTS ARE NEEDED?

 

The appeal is looking for gifts suitable for children and young people aged from birth to 16, with donations particularly welcome for older children and teenagers, as these age groups traditionally receive fewer donations.

 

Suggested gifts include:

 

* 0–3 years: Dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys and puzzles.

* 3–5 years: Dolls, action figures, cars, lorries, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books and puzzles.

* 5–9 years: Educational games and toys, colouring sets, stationery, school sets, books, puzzles, wordsearches and crosswords.

* 9–12 years: Games and toys, stationery, books, T-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves and hats.

* 13–16 years: Books, make-up and toiletries (preferably with non-allergenic ingredients), gloves, scarves, hats, hair accessories and gift vouchers.

 

The Trust is encouraging supporters, local businesses, community groups and anyone with a connection to Rochdale AFC to get involved.

 

Every present donated will help the wider borough appeal support local children and families who might otherwise struggle to afford Christmas gifts.

 

THE CHALLENGE: 476 PRESENTS. ONE FAMILY STAND. ONE DALE COMMUNITY.

Toys can be dropped off at the Community Trust, 9-6 every weekday and on matchdays.