Ely City councillor Peter Harris hopes his idea of Santa’s Toy Bank will help families you may be struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. 

Peter has the backing of St Mary’s Church which has agreed to be a drop-off point for gifts of new or unused toys which can be given to Ely families who are finding it hard to afford Christmas gifts for their children.

Gifts suitable for children from 0-15 years can be taken to St Mary’s on Monday,  December 19, from midday-6pm.

“I hope people will support Santa’s Toy Bank by donating new or unused toys, or even buy a new gift to donate,” said Peter.

“In my work as a city councillor I am aware that many people are struggling financially and the cost of children’s presents is putting them under extra pressure, especially single parents and refugees who have made their home with us here in Ely.”

He is especially grateful for the expertise of Andy Wilkinson who has created Ely’s Santa’s Xmas Toy Bank on Facebook and his company Shooting Image for funding publicity posters.