One last push for Christmas Toy Appeal
One last push, that’s all that is needed from Echo readers to make Christmas special for thousands of needy children in Sunderland.
The Echo's annual Christmas Toy Appeal–run in partnership with Wearside Charity Hope 4 Kidz – has seen you drop off sack fulls of presents for youngsters who might otherwise have gone without on Christmas morning.
The opportunity to donate at supermarket drop off points all over the city ends on December 20 and Viv Watts, chief executive of Hope 4 Kidz, is appealing for one last effort.
She said: “Once again, the people of Sunderland have been amazing.
"Despite COVID-19 causing havoc with people’s lives, finances and businesses, we have already been able to
distributed over of the 1,100 gifts.
“The way the trollies are being filled up at the various drop off points, we should be able to meet all the requests for help we have received from organisations in the area."
She added: “Please keep supporting the Christmas
Appeal and make sure a child is happy instead of sad on Christmas Morning.”
Last year – thanks to your generosity – over 3,000 children woke up to something special on Christmas Day – a present many of them would otherwise not have received.
Gary Oliver, Head of Content of the Sunderland Echo, said: “Every year our readers have astounded us with their generosity and this year has been no exception.
"We appreciate how difficult times are for many families at the moment and thank everyone for the wonderful way in which you have respond to our appeal.”
This year gas network national grid company Northern Gas Networks has also thrown its weight behind the appeal by collecting gifts from the drop off points gifts and listing items ready for distribution.
Other local companies which have pledged their support to the appeal are Barclays Doxford Park call centre; Biz Space; Bunzl; Computershare; EE North Tyneside; Maxim FM; Siemens and the BIC Hub Washington.
*Drop off points in the city are at Morrisons at Doxford Park, Sainsbury’s in Fulwell, Silksworth, Wessington Way, and Washington; Wilkinsons, and the Tesco stores at The Bridges and Wheatsheaf.