JCB’s third annual Christmas Toy Appeal is under way and is set to bring festive cheer to hundreds of Staffordshire and Wrexham children.

Since the appeal was first launched in 2022, more than 2,000 gifts donated by JCB employees have been distributed to youngsters in the Stoke-on-Trent and Wrexham areas.

Every JCB plant in the UK is taking part in the initiative, with 15 individual collection points set up for the donation of gifts for youngsters aged up to 17. At JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester, JCB’s DIGatron monster truck is the focal point of the collection area in the main reception where employees—and members of the public—are dropping off their festive donations. Employees at JCB’s other factories in Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Foston, and Wrexham are also supporting the appeal.

JCB Group HR Director Max Jeffery said:
“The way JCB employees embrace this appeal every year is truly heartwarming, and it really does help disadvantaged youngsters enjoy the festive season. Over the last two years, our appeal has proved to be an overwhelming success, with a total of more than 2,250 toys donated by our employees and the public at our UK sites.”

The 2024 appeal culminates on Monday, December 2nd, when the gifts will be handed over to three charities: the NSPCC, the Stoke-on-Trent Hubb Foundation, and Wrexham-based Salvation Army for distribution.

JCB apprentices Harvey Napier, 21, of Hilton, Laura Wilson, 20, of Fulford, Lilly Smith, 19, of Sutton Coldfield, and Muqadas Saleem, 19, of Meir, are helping to co-ordinate the appeal.

Harvey said:
“The gifts we collect will help to bring a smile to the faces of local children during the festive period—every donation really does make a positive difference.”