Lions launch festive toy appeal
IT’S a tall order, but the Hyndburn public are being asked to dig deeper than ever this year to help make Christmas special for children and teenagers who might otherwise miss out.
Accrington Lions have launched their annual Toys and Teens Christmas appeal, however due to coronavirus the challenge is greater than it has ever been since it started in 1984.
Organisers, who have been hit by “mindboggling” safety restrictions and the cancellation of the Lions’ main fundraiser, say they are, unfortunately, only able to take brand new gifts or cash donations this year.
President May Edmundson told the Observer: “Because of Covid restrictions we cannot accept anything that isn’t new. We feel terrible that we cannot accept it. We are going to have to sort out drop-off points where you can leave [gifts] and they can be picked up and then disinfected so they’re safe to pass on. There’s a lot more going on in the background and a lot less of us able to do it. The restrictions are mindboggling.
“We are grateful to people for thinking of us at this time of year - the public have always been very generous.”
The Lions’ biggest fundraising source is the annual boxing dinner in the first week of December at Clayton Boxing Club, which has had to be cancelled for the first time in its 53-year history. Cash donations would help to plug this shortfall and these also help to pay for presents which are more suitable for older children.
Last year more than 200 children were referred to the appeal, and that is expected to climb due to the impact of Covid-19.
May added: “We’re down thousands of pounds, which is what contributes to the toy appeal. We have had no other fundraisers apart from an odd car boot, but we have got to try and fund the toy appeal.”
If you can help please contact May on 07806 093068, message Accrington Lions on Facebook or email accrington.lions@yahoo. co.uk .