Rotherham Families First, the charity behind the Rotherham Christmas Toy Appeal, are to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) in recognition of their outstanding community service.
It is the equivalent of an MBE and represents the highest distinction for voluntary organisations in the UK.
Representatives of Families First will receive the award from Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire., in due course, and have been invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
After being involved in the Christmas Toy Appeal since its inception more than 30 years ago, Ann Levick founded Rotherham Families First in 2017.
Rotherham Families First also take in second hand toys and books to give out throughout the year. They need volunteers year-round to help organise and distribute the clothing and items to the social care teams and rely on donations of pre-loved clothing, toys or household items.
Inside a unit at Parkgate Shopping, a wealth of essential household items, that have been donated by members of the public, are meticulously sorted through by a team of volunteers. Parkgate is proud to house and support Families First free of charge, which it has done for several years following the announcement that their original unit was due to be sold.
For more information about donating items to Rotherham Families First, contact Ann via ann.familiesfirst@gmail.com.
Awarded each year to honour volunteer-led groups working across a wide range of fields including mental health, youth, environment, community, arts and heritage, The King’s Award for Voluntary Service showcases the continued range and significance of voluntary service carried out every day across the nation.
KAVS Chair, Sir Martyn Lewis CBE said: “The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the top award for groups of volunteers who beaver away at a grassroots level to transform vital aspects of life in their local community.
“Since its establishment, the awards have shown the people of the UK’s four countries at their very best, coming together from all sections of society to touch virtually every area of need. They also reflect the growing and key role which volunteers are playing in a time of rapid change.
“Whether driven by a neighbourly passion to help others or to achieve that well recognised ‘high’ of personal satisfaction, volunteering taps into a rich spirit of generosity and kindness. The 2024 awards prove that this spirit remains as strong as ever.”