Record number of volunteers back 53rd annual Christmas appeal
Nottinghamshire's annual Christmas toy appeal has broken new ground in 2025 with a record number of volunteers backing the campaign.
The increase in demand for toys to be donated and provided to agencies supporting young children across the county had led to a call for arms from the appeal’s committee, which has been running for 53 years.
The Great Notts Toy Appeal has been able to reach 75 agencies this year, up from 60 last year, thanks to the support from volunteers and businesses across Nottinghamshire – including regional housing firm Miller Homes.
The developer had initially donated £566 to the appeal, but were fortunately able to increase their funding to £1,000 via its annual Community Fund, as well as offering its volunteering duties with two members of its East Midlands staff visiting this year’s appeal HQ in Bilborough.
Helen Dawkins and Isabella Blaney volunteered at St John’s Church to help collect and distribute the thousands of toys received into the appeal from so many contributors across the county.
Emma Machin, speaking on behalf of the appeal committee, said: "We are incredibly thankful for the £1,000 donation from Miller Homes towards our Great Notts Christmas Toy Appeal.
“This year we have reached more agencies than ever, gifting Christmas presents to more than 2,200 children locally, and donations such as this really do help us reach the disadvantaged children within our local communities. We thank them for their generosity.”
Miller Homes is currently building a new development in Bramcote, off Coventry Lane, which is set to be opened to the public in early 2026.
The developer runs its Community Fund initiative annually, with recipients chosen at two intervals during the year, ranging in donations from £250 to £2,000.
Emma Weston, sales director for Miller Homes East Midlands, said: “The appeal for Christmas toys in Nottingham has been running for more than half a century so we were very aware of its call for both financial and physical support in 2025, which Miller Homes was only too pleased to provide.
“We’re really glad our donation has gone to support so many children across the city and county’s communities, but we’re equally proud to have been able to provide our volunteering services via Helen and Isabella who I know felt a great sense of community spirit on the day.”
For more information on Miller Homes’ Community Fund, visit https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/corporate/community-fund.