ORGANISERS of a children's charity that has given out 20,000 toys in the past two years are stepping down.
Mr Hoggle Doggle, based in Beverley, is seeking volunteers to take over and run the operation formed in 2011 by David and Clare Allan.
The charity appeals to the public for new and used toys, which are then given to children suffering deprivation, illness or disability.
Clare Allan said: "It's been a great success but, for family reasons, we're unable to continue running it.
"It's a worthwhile and much-appreciated service, which we'd like to see continue.
"We're hoping someone with enthusiasm will volunteer to take over as the sole organiser or in partnership with others."
Clare said it is a "hugely rewarding" job and she and David will help throughout every step of the handover.
Mr Hoggle Doggle operates from a business unit in Beverley, where the toys are processed and stored until distribution.
It has been successful when applying for grants in recent years and received money from the Mail's Community Cash scheme last year with Comic Relief.
David said the charity gives parents and children an ideal way to recycle surplus toys, while also helping those in need during difficult times.
He said: "With the current budget cuts, most establishments can no longer afford toys for the children in their care, so the scheme has become really popular."
The charity also has eight volunteers and four drop-off points at Tesco in Beverley and Market Weighton, The Co-Operative in Cottingham and Busy Bees Nursery in Brough.
Clare said: "Whoever takes over will not be on their own straight away and I will stay on as chairman to help them get to know the role.
"They also don't have to live in the Beverley area as they can run it from home but they will need to access the storage unit every now and again.
"Those who benefit from the charity have started to come to us to pick the toys they would like, which cuts down on volunteer time, and they prefer it that way.
"Since we started, the most rewarding thing has been helping families in an awful situation during the recession and making a difference to the poverty on our doorstep here in East Yorkshire."
Clare said she has had enquiries from all over the UK about offering the service further afield and says it has the potential to become a national charity.
"We've had such lovely feedback from people and if someone had the energy and enthusiasm they could run Mr Hoggle Doggle all over the country," she said.
"We hope we have a lot of interest in the post and somebody can build on our success."
If you are interested, email Clare through the website www.hoggledoggle.org.uk or call her on 07538 157487.
