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Source: Lidl

From 1 November, customers can drop off new and unopened toys at any Lidl store across the country

Lidl has pledged to donate £125,000 in grants to support charities this Christmas as it also relaunches its annual toy bank drive to gather gifts for children in need.

The £125,000 will go to charity partners hosting festive events across the country, providing essential funding to purchase food and other supplies.

Through customer donations to its network of in-store toy drop-off points, Lidl is aiming to collect more than 100,000 gifts to distribute to children.

From 1 November, customers can drop off new and unopened toys at any Lidl store across the country, to be distributed locally to children of all ages through the discounter’s charity partner network.

Lidl said 91% of charities in the network would welcome financial support to host festive events, and 85% were planning special gatherings for people who may otherwise struggle to celebrate Christmas.

It said 97% of its charity partners needed toys to distribute.

“Together with our customers, we’re following the festive tradition of helping others through our toy bank and festive grants,” said Lidl GB Ryan McDonnell.

“We’re proud to provide this much-needed support to our charity partners and, with the help of our generous customers, bring smiles to thousands of children at Christmas.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Lidl’s charity distribution partner Neighbourly, said: “Lidl’s toy bank has been hugely successful over the past two years, with countless local charities telling us of the joy it has brought to the families they support.”