Westside Radio Launches 7th Annual Toy Appeal
Bringing Christmas cheer to families facing hardship
Staff at Westside with donated toys
November 5, 2025
Community radio station Westside Radio 89.6FM has kicked off its seventh annual Christmas Toy Appeal, calling on listeners and local businesses to donate toys for children in hospitals, youth centres, and charities across West London. The campaign, which runs until Friday 5 December, aims to bring festive cheer to families facing hardship during the holiday season.
Based in Hanwell, Westside Radio has grown the appeal into a cherished local tradition since its launch in 2018. This year’s donations will be distributed to children’s wards at Hillingdon, Northwick Park, and West Middlesex hospitals, as well as to youth centres and charities supporting vulnerable families.
Gos, presenter of the Weekend Get Up show and a long-time supporter of the appeal, reflected on its impact saying, “We started the appeal back in 2018, and it’s amazing to see how it’s grown. Every year, the generosity from listeners, local businesses, and our partners is incredible — we get so many donations it can be hard to get into the studio from reception!”
He added, “Meeting the children, families, and staff is such a rewarding experience — it’s a beautiful reminder of what community spirit and kindness really mean at Christmas.”
The campaign is supported by a range of local organisations including Hasbro, Ealing Street Dance Academy, Cake Co, Ealing Half Marathon, and Westside Talent. Donations are sorted and delivered in time for Christmas, with Westside presenters often hand-delivering gifts to hospitals and charities.
To contribute to the Westside Christmas Toy Appeal, donors can email toyappeal@thisiswestside.com or call the station on 0208 574 4113. More information is available at thisiswestside.com or via @thisiswestside on social media.
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