A NEW Forest pub is collecting unwanted toys for a nearby children's charity this Christmas. 

The Vine Inn pub in Ower has announced it is looking for donations for its initiative to support Rainbow Trust Children's Charity. 

The Hungry Horse site is one of over 200 across the country taking part in the chain's Toy Box donation scheme which launched last year. 

In 2021, the company donated 3,000 toys across the UK and has expanded its collection window this year between December 1 and December 18 to try and help even more. 

Wendy Wilson, General Manager of the Vine Inn, said: “We’re extremely passionate about supporting families and children, our pub has a lot to offer our younger generation and a lot of our staff have kids, so the buy-in we’ve received last year, and this year has been huge.

READ MORE: AFC Totton launch their Christmas toy appeal for 2022

“Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but many households are feeling the pressure financially. 

"If we can make a difference to a sick child’s Christmas this year, then that’s our job done.

“We had loads of donations from customers last year and we anticipate the same again this year and everyone pulls together as a community to help those in need.”

The Vine Inn donated a wide range of toys to the Rainbow Trust last year, a charity based in Totton, which supports families with seriously and terminally ill children.

It comes after a recent study by the brand revealed almost half of UK parents (46%) are worried about being able to afford Christmas this year due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Georgia Cooper, Family Support Worker, Southampton Care Team, Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, said: “We are delighted that Hungry Horse is again donating toys to families with a seriously ill child in the Totton area.

“With the cost of living hitting everyone hard this year, some families are definitely feeling the pinch, making it all the more important for us to do what we can to help."

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