Last chance to make festive season special
The Sunderland Echo Toy Appeal needs your help to bring a little Christmas magic to those less well off.
And this weekend is the last chance to donate a gift to our appeal which closes on Monday, December 17.
We know how difficult times are for many families but every gift, no matter how small will make a big difference to someone, who may otherwise receive nothing on Christmas morning.
The appeal is run in partnership with Wearside charity Hope 4 Kidz, who will be collecting and sorting the gifts so that Santa can distribute them ready for the big day.
Viv Watts, from Hope 4 Kidz, said: “It is always humbling to see the response we get to the appeal but it is heartbreaking that we cannot help all those who need that help.
“This year, I think we have had more requests from charities and organisations than ever before.”
Some of the charities who will benefit from your donations are: Ashkirk Homeless Unit; Fence Houses YMCA; Services to Disabled Children; Child Protection Team Sunderland; Centrepoint and Wearside Women in Need.
Gavin Foster, Managing Editor of the Sunderland Echo, said: “We know times are hard for everyone and particularly at this time of year but if you can, please help us make a difference this festive season.”
Gifts, which must be new (second-hand items cannot be accepted) , can be left at one our designated drop off points: Tesco in The Bridges; Morrisons, Seaburn; Morrisons, Doxford Park; Sainsbury’s, Wessington Way; Sainsbury’s, Silksworth; Sainsbury’s, Washington, Sainsbury’s, Fulwell; Virgin Money, Fawcett Street, Virgin Money, The Bridges; Hays Travel, Holmside; Santander; Wilkinsons; Barclays Bank, Fawcett Street and Byron Place Shopping Centre in Seaham.