OurCoop has launched its biggest ever toy appeal this Christmas and is inviting staff members, customers and colleagues to donate this festive season.

Running from 12 November to 11 December, the convenience retailer is set to install 780 toy donations points across OurCoop sites.

OurCoop is encouraging shoppers to donate new toys, games, books and toiletries to assist families who need it over the Christmas period.

The retailer is partnering with regional charities and food banks close to each site to distribute donations to families in need as well as national donation partners to support communities in other places.

This builds on the successful initiative last year, which saw nearly 10,000 toys collected across over 250 stores, to help support local children and families through OurCoop’s charity partners.

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Tarra Simmons, head of community and democratic engagement, said: “Our annual Toy Appeal is a great example of what can be achieved when people come together to support their local communities. Rooted in our co-operative values, the appeal is all about making a positive difference to those who need it most.

“Every donation, big or small, will help bring a little extra joy to children and families this Christmas, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who takes the time to donate.”

Additionally, the OurCoop Festive Van will be travelling on the road during the campaign and visit selected sites to bring the donations to multiple communities.

This move is part of the retailer’s ongoing commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. OurCoop recently reached the milestone of raising over £650,000 for mental health organisation Samaritans.

OurCoop won Sustainable Retailer of the Year at the first RG Excellence Awards for its efforts across energy savings and surplus food redistribution. In an exclusive Retail Gazette interview Mike Pickering, head of sustainability, explains how the co-operative is linking environmental action with commercial resilience.