CHRISTMAS TOY APPEAL BIG PICTURE
WE are in the process of setting up our annual Toys and Teens Christmas appeal which has been an annual event since 1984 and this year we had planned distribution to take place on December 12.
We ask for new gifts and toys and the public usually respond favourably but what we find in reality is we get lots of donations for very young children, usually pre-school and very little for older children.
This means as a club we have to go out and purchase gifts suitable for the older age groups.
We receive referrals from children’s services and charities across the borough of Hyndburn for us to provide a Christmas for children and teenagers who will not receive one without our help.
Last year we had over 200 children referred to us and the numbers increase every year so we are expecting higher demand than ever due to the financial impact of Covid-19.
Our members are usually busy throughout the year with our various events but like many other organisations, our fundraising has been halted continually because of restrictions and our main fundraiser looks set to be cancelled for the first time in over 50 years. We appreciate there are so many appeals especially at this time of year and you can’t help them all, but please consider us as it means so much to the children and young people of Hyndburn.
If you can help in any way please contact me on 07806 093068, message us on Facebook or emailaccrington.lions@ yahoo.co.uk .
May Edmundson Accrington Lions Club President