AFC Totton
NOW YOU’VE SCARED AWAY the last of the Trick-or-Treaters and coaxed the dog out from behind the back of the sofa with the promise that the fireworks have finished (for now), it’s time to put on the silly sweater, lay out the mince pies and make the annual last-minute dash to the petrol station to grab that all important present that completely slipped your mind.
Because, in the words of Noddy Holder’s over-worked accountant, “It’s Chriiiiiiiistmaaaaas!” which also means that it’s time to launch AFC Totton’s Christmas Toy Appeal 2023.
Organised on behalf of the club by our Vice-Chairman, Dave Penny, this annual event - which is now in its seventh year - has proven extremely popular with Stags fans keen to do their bit for the local community, to ensure that no child has to wake up on Christmas Day without a present to open.
The ongoing cost of living crisis, plus the number of people coming into the area having been displaced from their homes elsewhere in the world, in often frightening and life-threatening circumstances, means that Christmas can be a very difficult time for those parents already struggling to make ends meet and to put food on the table.
Working closely with local organisations and institutions, such as the Calmore Junior School and local food banks, Dave’s unwavering commitment and dedication, coupled with the generosity of AFC Totton’s wonderful fans, ensures the football club fulfils its mission of being a positive force in the local community, helping to spread the festive spirit to those less fortunate.
THREE WISE MEN: AFC Totton players Adam Tomasso, Jordan Ragguette and Scott Rendell get into the festive spirit.
“Our annual Christmas Toy Appeal has really gone from strength to strength over the years, thanks in massive part to the kindness and generosity of this club’s wonderful fans, sponsors, players and the owners, as well as members of the general public who are also keen to join us in extending that festive spirit across our local community,” enthuses Dave, who stood down from his role of Club Doctor earlier this year but is still very much a regular attendee at Snows Stadium on match days in his capacity as Vice-Chairman.
“Just a couple of weeks ago, I was giving physiotherapy treatment to a woman who told me about how she had fallen on hard times a few years back but thanks to our toy appeal, her kids were able to enjoy the full Christmas experience, taking a lot of pressure off her during a very difficult time. Since then, she found a new job and her family’s circumstances improved. But when she needed a little bit of help, our community was there - through the football club - to provide it. That’s what it’s all about, really, and it makes me so proud to be a part of it and to see AFC Totton delivering in such a positive way.”
“We are always so thankful for people’s donations, and I never fail to be surprised by just how much everyone embraces what we’re trying to do. Since we’ve been doing this, people have had to contend with the COVID-19 pandemic plus the cost of living crisis, but they still do all they can to encourage that true spirit of Christmas.”
To help spread the joy and donate presents to this year’s Christmas Toy Appeal, you can bring them directly to the club or you can call Dave direct on 07754 753 426 and he will gladly come and collect.
Please don’t wrap the presents before donating; we will do that, once we know what’s what and which presents are appropriate for which child. If the present you’re donating is battery-powered, then a pack of the relevant batteries will also be greatly appreciated, too.
Let’s make this year the most successful Christmas Toy Appeal yet!
By Ben Rochey-Adams
Images courtesy of Craig Hobbs Photography
