Deadline looming for Echo toy appeal donations

Anneline Dowell of Hope 4 Kidz with pupils from Christ's College and their donations.

The deadline for donations to the Echo's annual Christmas Toy Appeal – run in partnership with Wearside charity Hope 4 Kidz – close next Monday, when the toys are collected from drop off points all over the city.

One batch of donations came from pupils and parents at Christ’s College, in Pennywell Road, Sunderland,

For many families in the city the run-up to the big day is a worrying time so, as readers gear up for their festive season, we are once again asking you to find just one more gift while out shopping and leave them at drop off points all over the city.

These will then be distributed by Hope 4 Kidz to organisations which support children who are struggling to overcome long-term illness, disabilities and problems such as poverty and abuse.

This year, because of the cost of living crisis, there are more children than ever in local refuges, hospitals, homeless units and special needs centres.

Last year – thanks to your generosity – nearly 5,000 children woke up to presents valued at £35,000 on Christmas Day – a gift many of them would otherwise not have received.

Hope 4 Kidz chief executive, Viv Watts, said: "Donations are coming in thick and fast and I would thank each and every person who has taken the trouble to remember those who are less fortunate, especially at a time when most people are facing their own challenges. Your generosity is amazing.

The Echo Toy Appeal Logo.

"At the same time, the list of organisations who have contacted us for help has also grown.”

She added: "This year many people have had to tighten their belts even further, but if you can, please give a donation to the appeal before the final collection of toys on Monday.

"No matter the gift it will help make a child smile at Christmas"

Ross Robertson, digital editor of the Sunderland Echo, said: “Year after year, our readers stun us with the generosity they show in our annual appeal and we hope that this year will be no exception."

There are drop off points are at Asda in Grangetown, the HSBC Bank at The Bridges, Peter Heron, the Sainsburys supermarkets at Silksworth, Wessington Way, and Washington; the Santander Bank in Waterloo Place; Virgin Money in Fawcett Street; Morrisons at Doxford Park and Keel Lounge, in High Street West.

There are also drop off points in South Shields – at Cafe Mio, in Sunderland Road; Morrisons supermarket in Ocean Road, and The Gym, in Crossgate.

Please no not to wrap the donations – this will be done before they are handed out.

The appeal is also being supported by local businesses, including Adkins & Cheurfi Recruitment, ARRIVA, Bunzl, Maxim FM, Northeast BIC, Siemens Energy and The BIC Washington Hub

The last day for donations is Monday, December 19

For more information about the appeal or to become a beneficiary, email [email protected] with contact number and organisation details.