“Derek the Dalek,” a replica of the famous extraterrestrial mutant race featured as a nemesis in the British science-fiction TV show “Doctor Who,” is helping U.K. self-storage operator Storage King in its quest to collect toys for the Christmas Toy Appeal sponsored by news organization “The Nottingham Post.” The drive will benefit six local charities. Storage King is also storing the donations at is facility in Nottingham, England.
The five-and-a-half-foot tall Dalek belongs to one of Storage King’s customers, according to facility manager Andy Fell. “Derek has been with us for six or seven years. Sometimes, when we are showing new customers around, we open the door to where Derek is usually kept to see what reaction we get,” he said.
Derek is currently set up in the storage office to spark conversations about the toy drive, according to the source. It’s not the first time the replica has helped to encourage donations. Last year, it assisted Asda Hyson Green Superstore in raising £400 for charity. Customers donated £1 to have their photo taken with Derek.
"He had a lot of adult admirers—more so than the kids, which was a bit surprising. We hope he'll have the same success this year,” Fell said. "We'd love people to come down and give us a toy in return for a photo."
The toy appeal has already garnered donations from customers, including a pool table that converts for table tennis, the source reported. The campaign is part of the Post's Good Deeds Notts initiative, which has included 200 organizations, businesses and individuals raising money for charity or volunteering in their communities.
Donations can be made at Unit 1 Lewis Industrial Estate in Radford Road, New Basford.
Storage King operates 24 facilities across the United Kingdom.
