Browse Sections

• Education
• Roadworks
• Shipman
• Special reports

Xmas appeal is lining up as the best yet

Sue Carr
10/11/2004

TAMESIDERS are literally lining up to donate presents for our Christmas toy appeal.

A bumper collection of toys and games came our way this week from Outlaws Line Dancing, based at Lime Street Working Men's Club in Dukinfield.

And the generous members there are just a few of those helping us hot-foot our way to a tremendous third week.

This year we're celebrating the Advertiser's 15th annual appeal for toys to give needy children across the borough.

The appeal - run by the Newton Family Support Team - helps families working with social services who are facing a miserable Yuletide.

And with your kind donations, kids who might get no other gifts on Christmas morning will wake up with a smile.

Youngsters from birth to 18 years old will benefit from your presents of books, music, make-up and games plus other stocking fillers such as scarves and gloves.

Even something as simple as a selection box will help, or any cash donation to buy festive food hampers to make Christmas complete.

But please don't wrap your presents as parents need to pick them out first. And please please please - no more cuddly toys!

"Every year we get absolutely inundated with cuddly toys and only end up having to pass them on to charity shops," said Janet Cooper, manager of the family support team based on Victoria Street, Hyde.

"We have had some fantastic donations already, but what we really really do need is someone with a transit van to help us collect them. Even for just a couple of hours would be a great help."

Gifts can be dropped off at the Advertiser office on Booth Street, Ashton, and two churches have also agreed to store them for us.

Toys can be left at St Mary Magdalene, Broadbottom, on Sundays before 9.30am or from 10.30-11am. Mottram Parish Church is also collecting on Fridays from 10am-12pm and Sundays before 11am or from 12-1pm.