How you can give a needy child a present this Xmas
HUNDREDS of poverty-stricken kids in Salford and Manchester face waking up this Christmas Day morning with little or no presents to open. But there’s a way you can help. A children’s charity is appealing for help to make Christmas special for youngsters across the two cities.
Wood Street Mission has launched its annual Christmas appeal, asking for donations of new toys, gifts, selection boxes and advent calendars. Bosses at the 150-year-old charity say the idea is to ensure ‘every child is made to feel like any other when opening their presents on Christmas morning.’
Parents and carers can come and select the gifts themselves from the city centre charity’s ‘Christmas shop’ in the run up to the big day.
Wood Street Mission manager Des Lynch said: “Every year the level of support we receive from our local community is outstanding.”
Two years ago, United star Juan Mata, a long-term supporter of the charity, donated 500 presents to the appeal.
And this year, Hulme-based IT firm UKFast is supporting the drive. A 35ft billboard promoting the appeal has been put outside the company’s Princess Parkway HQ.
Managing director Gail Jones said: “It’s unimaginable, which is why we have been supporting organisations throughout the year.
“However, the added pressure on parents of being able to provide for their families at Christmas time can turn a magical experience into something that’s stressful and often dreaded.
“Thinking of children going back to school after the Christmas holidays, having to listen to other children talking about their gifts when they got nothing, is absolutely heartbreaking.
“Christmas should be about making memories with your family, not a time of stress and sadness,” said Gail.
The appeal runs until December 14. Donations can be dropped off at the Charity’s headquarters on Wood Street, off Deansgate, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm or at the offices of UKFast from 8.30am to 5pm. ■For more information call 0161 834 3140 or visit woodstreetmission.org. uk.