Tis the season of goodwill and this means the return of Royal William Yard’s Christmas charity appeal. If you plan to visit the Yard over the festive season, we hope you will consider supporting this worthwhile initiative, which in turn will benefit a number of local charities.

Last year’s appeal resulted in boxes of donations collected and shared amongst several organisations. This year, the Christmas appeal will help Ginsters' Project 35 appeal, Children’s Wishes Plymouth, and Plymouth Foodbank in the tireless work they do to support those in need in the local community.

What we need:

• Toiletries and personal hygiene products for Ginsters' Project 35 appeal

• Children's underwear, socks, tights, coats, scarves and gloves for Children’s Wishes Plymouth
• Non-perishable food items for Plymouth Foodbank. A full list of the items they need is available here.

When and where to donate:

• The appeal will run until 10am on Monday 16^th December
• Donations can be brought to Royal William Yard Welcome Suite – at the Gatehouse as you enter under the main arch. If the offices aren't open, place in the donation box by the stairs
• Royal William Yard Good Food & Craft Markets on Sunday 1^st, Wednesday 4^th, Sunday 8^th, Wednesday 11^th and Sunday 15^th December. There will be a drop-off point signposted at the Melville building and courtyard – please ask any of the RWY team if you need directions.

About these good causes:

• Project 35 is a partnership with Ginsters, Plymouth Argyle FC and Argyle Community Trust. It is a social action initiative aimed at reducing poverty in Plymouth, through a campaign of fundraising, awareness raising, social outreach, food donations, education, and charity support. The project's titular number, 35, represents the percentage of children in Plymouth reported to be living in poverty in some wards – the partnership takes an active role in supporting those most exposed to poverty.

• Children’s Wishes Plymouth supports local families. They are looking to provide essential clothing for local schools, which are in desperate need of underwear and other basics for children aged 3-11. Teachers are often supplying these items from their own pockets and the charity wants to step in. Any contributions will make a difference to the lives of these children.
• Plymouth Foodbank helps local people in crisis. It provides three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to the foodbank in crisis. It is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.