Thanks to rock artists as The Stones back Dartford Toy Appeal
10:54, 04 December 2019
updated: 11:07, 04 December 2019
It's official - The Stones are backing the Dartford Toy Appeal.
Dartford Toy Appeal confirmed the news on their Facebook page, thanking the rock artists for their support of the annual Christmas initiative.
Unfortunately it's not yet known if Dartford born rockers Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are involved, as the stones in question are provided by the Dartford Painted Rocks Group.
"Thank you Maggy Smith from Dartford Painted Rocks for making these to promote Dartford Toy Appeal," posted the charity, and the rock group confirmed their specially painted rocks will be left around Dartford and Bluewater to promote the toy appeal.
Cllr Kelly Grehan and colleagues from the Dartford Deeds Not Words Foundation, have been busy driving the annual appeal, in which donated toys are collected at locations throughout Dartford and distributed to children's charities.
Cllr Grehan thanked the Dartford Painted Rocks Group for their support.
"It helps spread the community vibe," she said. "They got involved last year and everything helps."
And she added: "If the Rolling Stones wanted to back the appeal too that would be great."
Donated toys are sent out to eight charities which include the Rose Wood Unit, a mother and baby unit and mental health facility; The Women’s Refuge; We Are Beams, which supports disabled children, young people and families; Imargo, young carers’ charity; ellenor hospice; Homestart, for parents with children under five; Mary’s Child, run by St Mary’s Church; and domestic abuse charity Choices.
Kelly first launched the appeal seven years ago when she started collecting for children at The Women’s Refuge, but the initiative soon began to grow, and she is now proud of the many different organisations and charities involved.
The appeal, backed by the Messenger, will be collecting toys until December 14, and organisers are hoping to match or better last year's total of 2000 toys.
For a full list of drop-off points in Dartford, Gravesend, Wilmington and Greenhithe, search Dartford Deeds Not Words Foundation on Facebook.
If the Rolling Stones do want to back the annual appeal email dartford@thekmgroup.co.uk or call the Dartford Messenger on 01474 564327.
