One week into the Xmas Toy Appeal and there are still six weeks left until Christmas.  Wish lists have probably been written even if the shopping hasn’t quite begun yet.  This week saw support from the cast of Hollyoaks who are proud to be associated with the appeal.  They are pictured with boxes of toys which have already been collected for the appeal and is a great sign of more to come!
 
This year could you please add another gift to your list – one for a vulnerable or disadvantaged child or teenager in your area – something that would really help to make their Christmas extra special. 

You won’t be making a noticeable dent in your pocket with so many shops and supermarkets promoting really good deals this year you are bound to find something perfect!  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 – these would bring tremendous joy to underprivileged children during the season of goodwill.
The local charities this year are:

• Save the Family who provide support homeless families need to stop them becoming separated during times of need; children can be taken into care whilst parents are left searching for help.  Save the Family's unique model provides homeless families with an opportunity to stay together, take responsibility and build a better future for themselves and their children. They offer practical and emotional support to families facing separation at their locations in Cheshire and Wales.

• Miles of Smiles whose appeal was launched through Chronicle Newspapers in Chester in 1992 to send sick, disabled and under-privileged children from Chester and district, Wirral and North Wales on the trip of a lifetime.  Over the past 18 years a dedicated Committee of volunteers together with an army of Individuals, groups, organisations and businesses have helped raise over £800,000 to help make dreams come true for hundreds of families.

Gary Horton,  Miles of Smiles Trustee said: “Miles of Smiles is proud to be associated with this year’s Toy Appeal and with the help of Big Storage and Chronicle Newspapers, we will be able to bring some joy into the lives of local sick and disadvantaged children in the Chester, Ellesmere Port and Flintshire area.”

Andrew Donaldson partner of BiG Storage said, “This is the 7th year that we have run the appeal with the Chester Chronicle and are delighted with their support in promoting the appeal once again.  Our Christmas toy appeals have been so successful that they have been extended across Cheshire.  We have over the period of running the toy appeal received in excess of 10,000 toys that have made such a huge difference to so many underprivileged children at this festive time.  We are delighted once again to link in with the children’s charities who work so hard to select the toys and distribute to the children at Christmas.  Ultimately it is the huge generosity of the readers that has brought so much joy to the children that the charities support.  We look forward to this year’s appeal being more successful than ever and especially in a very difficult economic climate when even more children than usual will be adversely affected at Christmas.”

Toys can be dropped off at BiG Storage, The Printworks, Sealand Road, Chester CH1 4RN, 01244 399993 (next to B&Q) Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Saturdays 9am to 4pm, and Sundays 10am to 2pm at the BiG Storage reception.  Location maps can also be seen at www.bigstorage.info.