Children’s charity launches toy bank for child crime victims in Bedfordshire

A charity which supports children whose lives have been torn apart by serious crime is appealing to families to donate any new unwanted or duplicate toys they received for Christmas for families who are struggling this year.

Embrace Child Victims Of Crime (Embrace CVOC) is launching a new national toy bank to help families whose children have been affected by serious crimes such as domestic abuse,

physical or sexual abuse, neglect or homicide.

Last year, Embrace helped 766 child victims of crime and their families across Bedfordshire.

The toy bank, which will go live once there has been a bulk donation of toys, will work in the similar way to a food bank where nominated families referred to the charity will be able to go online and allow their children to a choose a toy or game for free.

As well as families, the charity is also reaching out to toy manufacturers and shops to ask them if they would donate any new unopened toys.

Anne Campbell, chief executive of Embrace CVOC, said: “Many families are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of toys their children receive from Santa at Christmas and sometimes although gifts are gratefully received, the child may already have something similar or not be interested in a particular toy.

“Sadly the children we work with often have very few toys to play with, particularly those who have had to leave their homes because of the crimes that have happened to them."

Gifts can be sent to Embrace Child Victims of Crime, Copse Court, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SF. If you have any questions about donating toys or Embrace CVOC you can email

[email protected] or call 0345 60 999 60.