A COMMUNITY project in Basingstoke is hosting a Christmas toy appeal this year to help families that are struggling to choose between buying presents and paying bills.

The Community Furniture Project, which runs from Joule Road in Houndmills, will be collecting new and unwrapped gifts for children of all ages, and young people up to the age of 19, from businesses and individuals.

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Project manager Phelim O'Hagan said one in 10 children live below the breadline, and during the festive period, thousands of families will be struggling as they are forced to choose between buying presents or paying bills.

He said: “As a result, many children in our area receive no gifts.

“If your organisation can help in collecting toys or raising money to purchase toys to donate, please contact me for details of how to go about this.”

The Mayor of Basingstoke Cllr Paul Miller will launch the project in the Christmas Grotto at Community Furniture Project on Tuesday, November 1, at 11am.

The people behind the project are asking all the businesses and organisations who would like to get involved to join them for the launch.   

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“We hope you can assist us to bring the community together to support this project and help us help local families in need this Christmas,” Mr O’Hagan said.