One week into the Chester Chronicle toy appeal and there are still five weeks left until Christmas.  Shopping lists have probably been written even if the shopping hasn’t quite begun. 

This year could you please add another gift to your list – one for a vulnerable or disadvantaged child in your area – something that would really help to make their Christmas extra special. 

It doesn’t have to make a noticeable dent in your pocket with so many shops and supermarkets promoting really good deals this year.  Organisations, schools, church groups and businesses may also like to help by donating gifts, having an internal whip round, or just by bringing the appeal to the attention of their staff.

You may even find that your children were inundated with gifts last year and some may still be unused, in their original packaging and only to be forgotten about.

It is these unwanted toys or any surplus you may have brought in for this Christmas, which could bring tremendous joy to underprivileged children during the season of goodwill.

This week saw the appeal being supported by Tarporley Junior School who are supporters of Save the Family our beneficiary charity.  Tarporley Junior School have informed parents of the scheme and have also agreed to be a drop off point for the toys.  BiG Storage are looking forward to forging an ongoing partnership with the school.

Save the Family is dedicated to helping homeless families and individuals in their time of need. The charity, which has been operating successfully for 34 years, offers temporary accommodation, adult training facilities and emotional support to help homeless families and individuals resettle back into the community.

Children receive continued support and a future based on hope, trust and education. Now in the process of replicating its effective model from Plas Bellin Hall in Flintshire to a new site near Chester, Cotton Hall Farm, Save the Family welcomes support and donations more so than every before.

Edna Speed from Save the Family says: “We are delighted that the BiG Storage Toy Appeal is taking place once again in 2010, and thank local people for their kind generosity. The toys from the appeal will certainly help make it a special Christmas for those less fortunate at Save the Family. Thank you.”

BiG Storage Chester, the driving force behind the Toy Appeal, is to be the main drop off point for the donated toys. The donations will then be stored in the ‘grotto’, a clean, dry and secure storage unit until they are needed for Christmas delivery to the recipient children from the nominated charity.

BiG Storage at Chester is the drop off point.  It’s at The Printworks, Sealand Road, Chester, CH1 4QS (next to B&Q) – just look for the BiG Storage sign.  A location map can also be seen at www.bigstorage.info.

Toys can be dropped off Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, Saturdays 9am to 4pm, and Sundays 10am to 2pm at the BiG Storage reception, which will be clearly signposted. 

Please ask for Brendan, Andy, or Paul,  or ring them on 01244 399993.
More information on Save the Family and how you can help can be found at www.savethefamily.org.uk, or by calling 01244 409100.