Full steam ahead as life-size toy train delivers sought after gifts for Teesside children

A Teesside charity has had a special delivery of children's Christmas gifts on the lifesize Amazon toy train.

The train made its delivery of toys to The Junction Multibank, which launched in Middlesbrough last week. It is a community donations hub that will provide brand-new items for social workers, teachers, other local charities and community groups to distribute to local families in need.

It is the fifth Multibank in the UK, an initiative co-founded by former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Amazon, which has donated more than 5million goods to over 500,000 families. The toys were delivered to The Junction Multibank in Middlesbrough and will be distributed to families in need between now and Christmas.

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Beth Major, CEO at The Junction said: "Christmas should be a joyful time of year for children and families, but with more than 30% of children across Tees Valley living in poverty, it can be a time of added financial and emotional pressure.

"The Junction Multibank provides essential goods and support to families in need and we aim to ensure no-one is left to struggle alone. Thanks to the generosity of Amazon this Christmas, we are able to offer families new and exciting toys to help them enjoy making magical memories at such a special time of year."

The toys that have been donated are some of the most sought after this year including iconic franchises and family favourite brands, such as Hasbro's Play-Doh Pizza Delivery Scooter Playset and the LEGO Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer Starship Building Toy, as well as other popular toys such as Asmodee’s Taco Cat card game, and Snackles surprise plushies by Zuru.

On the train were multiples of some of the top ten toys on the list to help more children and families discover the joy of toys this festive season.

The Junction has been supporting children, young people, and families across the Tees Valley for over 30 years. With bases across the Tees Valley the focus centers on empowering individuals to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. They achieve this through multiple branches, such as providing a range of holistic services, building resilient individuals and investing in young people's futures.

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