The 2024 Carmarthenshire Christmas Toybox Appeal has been launched.

Carmarthenshire County Council is accepting donations of new gifts and money for its annual appeal.

The initiative supports families who cannot afford to buy toys or gifts for their children.

Last year, more than 9,300 gifts were distributed to 1,550 children.

The council is accepting donations of games, arts and crafts items, and toiletry gift sets for all ages, from 18 months to teenagers.

However, used or second-hand donations cannot be accepted.

Families and children in greatest need of support from the Toybox Appeal are found by schools, family centres, social workers, and youth workers.

Council staff will distribute the gifts in the run-up to Christmas.

The council’s deputy leader, Councillor Linda Evans, said: "The pressure of buying a present for your children to open on Christmas Day is a very real one for many families in Carmarthenshire who are struggling financially in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis.

"If you are able to support our Toybox Appeal this year, by donating money for us to buy presents or buying an extra gift for our Appeal, then please do so.

"Whilst Christmas is a very special time of the year, it can also bring additional financial pressures on many families."

Founded in 2011, the Christmas Toybox Appeal has ensured that children, who might otherwise receive nothing or very little, are given a gift at Christmas.

Financial donations can be made online and to make cash or cheque donations, call 01267 246504.

Collection points are located across the county, including

- Ammanford Customer Service Hwb (9am-5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am - 4.30pm Friday).

- Cwmaman Community Centre (10am - 4pm Monday to Friday).

- Tesco Ammanford (6am to midnight Monday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm on Sunday).

- Hengwrt (Menter Dinefwr) (10am - 4.30pm Monday to Saturday).

- Llandovery Youth & Community Centre (9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday except for school holidays when its 9am - 4pm).

Hwb Bach y Wlad will also be taking donations.

You can view the timetable on the council's website to see when they are due to visit near you.