Once again in 2021, Trowbridge Information Centre is pleased to act as a drop-off point for the annual HVDV Christmas Appeal. At Christmas 2020, this Wiltshire-based charity helped over 500 individuals – an amazing response in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.
HVDV is an organisation based in Wiltshire providing practical support to families, individuals (male and female), young people and children who have experienced domestic violence and its associated issues. HDVD aims to reduce the suffering of its service users and promote their health and wellbeing by helping them sustain independence and take back control of their lives. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the charity launches a county-wide appeal for donations of shoe boxes and gift bags, filled with items designed to bring a little Christmas cheer.
Between Monday October 4th and Friday November 26th, members of the public can make donations by calling in at the Information Centre (in Trowbridge Civic Centre) between the hours of 8.30am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Donations can be made in the form of seasonally-wrapped shoeboxes or Christmas gift bags – the contents donated can be for children in particular age groups, and also adults, in the following age ranges:
Pre School 2-4 years Boy/Girl
Primary Ks1 5-8 years Boy/ Girl
Primary Ks2 9-11 years Boy/Girl
Secondary 12-16 years Male/Female
Women’s (Mums)
Men’s (Dads)
When putting together shoe boxes and gift bags, please make sure all items are age and stage appropriate for the child you wish your shoe box or gift bag to be donated to.
Here are some ideas of items to be put in a shoe box, gift bag or as a single gift.
Toy ideas
Dolls, teddies, toy trucks and cars, skipping rope, small puzzles and games, dressing up, role play items, etc.
Arts and Crafts
Art and craft sets, painting sets, pens, pencils, sharpeners, coloured pencils, felt pens or crayon, stamping set with ink pads, notebooks & paper, calculators, colouring & picture books, etc.
Hygiene Items
Tooth brushes, toothpaste, soaps, bubble bath, shower gels, shampoo and conditioner, bath bombs, flannels, brushes, combs and hair accessories, etc.
Other gift items
Hats, gloves, scarves, socks, jewellery, nail polishes, cosmetics, cups, books, candles, wrapped sweets and chocolate, manicure sets, etc.
There may also be some items you can think of which we have not have listed – if so, please email ad***@hv**.uk.
Please Note: If you wish to include chocolate or sweets, due to the new Natasha’s Law, food items should be sealed with a full ingredient list: for more information, here is the link https://natashas-law.com/. HVDV are unable to include food items without an ingredient list.
Also, please make sure, no items contain nuts, due to nut allergies. Regarding other certain allergies, HVDV are unable to take balloons.
To find out more about the work of HVDV, please click here.
