Christmas  Toy Appeal Launch

Christmas time has come again, and Coronation Street’s Chesney and Katie (Sam Astom and Georgia May Foote) are hoping many under-privileged children have a Christmas to remember as they kindly drop-off some of the first toys donated to this year’s toy appeal. 

They were both at Handforth Dean on Thursday to launch the Chester Chronicle and BiG Storage ‘Christmas Toy Appeal’ helped by Chester Football Club’s mascot, BiG Lupus.

The Chronicle titles have joined forces with BiG Storage to make sure that, despite the recession, there are plenty of presents for under-privileged and vulnerable children currently being supported by nominated charities in the North West.

These charities include Save the Family, which 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. More information on the charity and how you can help can be found at www.savethefamily.org.uk, or by calling 01244 409100.’

Sam and Georgia both said: ‘We are delighted to support the launch of such an important appeal. Most of us assume all children have a special Christmas but many would not get any presents at all if it were not for appeals like this and the generosity of more fortunate families in the community”

There was a fantastic response from generous readers during last year’s appeal donating 1000’s of gifts for children aged up to 16.

This year, we will once again we will be asking readers to bring much needed seasonal cheer – and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to donate a gift.  We are appealing for new gifts so look out for the ‘buy one get one free’ or ‘three for the price of two’ offers on sale.

Any unwanted gifts from last year will also be welcome.  The children receiving the toys will be of all ages up to 16.

Andrew Donaldson a Partner from BiG Storage said: ‘We are delighted once again to be part of the Christmas toy appeal.  Every year the Express Readers overwhelm us with their generosity  Every year the number of toys donated has increased. So every year we have been able to distribute toys to more and more under-privileging children via the hard working children’s charities we support.’

Edna Speed from Save the Family said “ We are truly thankful to be involved with this fantastic appeal. Christmas is a time for families and children to come together, and this is a great way to give joy to those who desperately deserve it at this time of the year”  

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 4pm at the BiG Storage reception, which will be clearly signposted.  Please ask for Brendan, Andy, or Paul,  or ring them on 01244 399993.