Arighi Bianchi is calling on people across Cheshire to help fill its Christmas Giving Truck with new toys and gifts for children whose families are experiencing financial hardship and difficult circumstances.
The Macclesfield family-run furniture retailer has teamed up with local charity Little Cherubs for an appeal supporting children aged 0-16 across Macclesfield, High Peak and the surrounding areas.
From today until the beginning of December, the Arighi Bianchi Christmas Giving Truck will be parked at the store on the Silk Road. All donations can be handed to the store team and will be delivered and distributed to children supported by the charity in time for Christmas Day.
Little Cherubs typically supports more than 250 children each Christmas. Working with schools, social services, midwives, women’s refuges and other support organisations, it helps get presents to children whose families might otherwise struggle to afford them.
The Bianchi family and store team hope that, by bringing customers, residents and local businesses together, the Christmas Giving Truck will help the charity reach more children this year.
Sally Depee, founder of Little Cherubs, said: “For families struggling to cover everyday essentials, buying Christmas presents can be significant source of worry. A donated gift can help ease that pressure and give a child something to look forward to on Christmas morning. For some, it might be the only gift they receive this year and knowing that someone has thought about them means so much.
“We particularly welcome donations for older children and teenagers, who can sometimes be overlooked in Christmas appeals. Practical gifts such as pyjamas, slippers, toiletry sets, warm hats and gloves, backpacks and stationery are also wonderful options.
“Please leave gifts unwrapped so that we can match them to the ages and needs of the children we support.”
The Christmas Giving Truck will also be touring the region giving people more opportunities to donate closer to home. The tour schedule will be announced at www.arighibianchi.co.uk
Local businesses, schools and community groups are also encouraged to organise their own collections. Arighi Bianchi’s team can arrange for the truck to collect group donations within the local area, with arrangements agreed in advance.
Sarah Bianchi, Managing Director of Arighi Bianchi, adds: “We have the vehicles, the team and a community of customers and local businesses we can ask to help. We want to put those connections to good use by collecting as many gifts as possible for Little Cherubs this Christmas.
“Whether someone brings in one gift or a business organises a collection among colleagues, it all helps fill the truck. Our team will then deliver the donations to Little Cherubs, ready for the charity to distribute them to local families in time for Christmas.
“We would also welcome cash donations and vouchers, which can be given to our dedicated fundraising team in store and used for gifts.
“Christmas can be a difficult time for many and if we can help Little Cherubs to make a difference to more children’s lives this year, we’ll have achieved something truly special.”
How to donate
- When: From now until November 30 (later donations will still be gifted)
- Where: Arighi Bianchi, Silk Road, Macclesfield, SK10 1LH. Please take gifts to the dedicated drop-off point in store.
- What: New, unused and unwrapped gifts for children aged 0–16, ideally in their original packaging.
- Business & group collections: Please email [email protected] to request a collection
- Truck tour dates: Visit www.arighibianchi.co.uk for updates
Gift ideas
For babies and younger children, suggestions include sensory toys, dolls, building blocks, books, puzzles and craft sets.
For older children and teenagers, consider board games, LEGO, sports equipment, science kits, headphones, toiletry sets and cosy blankets. New clothing and practical items are also welcome.
