Residents in Spilsby and the surrounding villages are being encouraged to support a new toy donation appeal from Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA), as the charity opens a new shop in Lincoln in the run-up to Christmas.
The new store, at 246 Newark Road, Lincoln (LN6 8RP), will open at 10.30am on Saturday 29 November. To mark the occasion, LNAA is launching ‘Toys for Take Off’ – an appeal for donations of good quality toys that can be sold to raise funds for the service.
The idea is simple: have a pre-Christmas clear-out, donate toys the children have grown out of, and help raise money to keep the helicopter flying over Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Shoppers will also be able to pick up low-cost gifts and stocking fillers while they are there.
Elizabeth Wright, LNAA’s Head of Retail, described the new shop as “an exciting development for the charity and our supporters – just in time for Christmas”, adding that the appeal is a good opportunity to pass on unwanted toys and find “good quality bargains, all while supporting our crews to get to patients over the festive period”.
The Newark Road site has parking available and is within walking distance for nearby neighbourhoods. For Spilsby residents already heading into Lincoln for shopping, it offers an easy place to drop off donations and support the service.
Wragby shop easier for many Spilsby residents
For many people in Spilsby, getting into Lincoln isn’t always a quick trip – but Wragby often is. LNAA opened a new shop in Wragby earlier this year, and for those travelling along the A158 it is likely to be the more convenient option for donating items or browsing for bargains.
While the ‘Toys for Take Off’ appeal is being launched at the new Lincoln store, LNAA’s Wragby shop also plays an important part in raising funds to keep the air ambulance flying. Shoppers from the Spilsby area can support the charity at either location, depending on which is easier to reach.
LNAA previously ran a shop on Lincoln High Street, which closed in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. The charity says it will continue to review where its retail outlets are based to make it easier for supporters across the two counties to get involved.
On opening day in Lincoln, the charity’s mascot Parameduck will be on hand to ‘ducklare’ the shop officially open.
Why this matters locally
Many people in and around Spilsby will be familiar with the sight – and sound – of the yellow helicopter overhead. LNAA responds to an average of four missions every day across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Each mission costs around £4,000 and the service runs day and night, 365 days a year, relying heavily on public donations.
In 2024, LNAA crews were called out to 1,724 incidents. The charity is also preparing for the arrival of a second helicopter in September 2027, with a public fundraising appeal planned.
For those living in rural communities, including the Spilsby area, that support can make a real difference when the worst happens on country roads, at farms, or in isolated villages.
How Spilsby residents can help
- Donate toys in good, saleable condition to the new Lincoln shop from the opening date onwards.
- Use the Wragby shop if that’s a more convenient stop on your way to or from Lincoln.
- If you are upgrading furniture and have items to give, email furniture@ambucopter.org.uk for advice on larger donations.
- Spread the word through local groups in the Spilsby area – schools, community groups, Scouts and Guides can all get involved in collecting toys and donations.
To find out more about the charity and its shops, visit the LNAA website and sign up to the newsletter.