How you can help our toy appeal make a difference to a Sunderland family

The Sunderland Echo Toy Appeal needs your help to bring a little Christmas magic to those less well off.
Alyson Smith, from Sainsbury's Silksworth, with Shannon Crowder, from Hope 4 Kidz.Alyson Smith, from Sainsbury's Silksworth, with Shannon Crowder, from Hope 4 Kidz.
Alyson Smith, from Sainsbury's Silksworth, with Shannon Crowder, from Hope 4 Kidz.

And this weekend is the last chance to donate a gift to our appeal which closes on Monday, December 17.

We know how difficult times are for many families but every gift, no matter how small will make a big difference to someone, who may otherwise receive nothing on Christmas morning.

Jeff Williams,  Neil Thornton, Cliff Rudling, from Morrisons Doxford Park, with toys for the Sunderland Echo Toy Appeal 2018Jeff Williams,  Neil Thornton, Cliff Rudling, from Morrisons Doxford Park, with toys for the Sunderland Echo Toy Appeal 2018
Jeff Williams, Neil Thornton, Cliff Rudling, from Morrisons Doxford Park, with toys for the Sunderland Echo Toy Appeal 2018
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The appeal is run in partnership with Wearside charity Hope 4 Kidz, who will be collecting and sorting the gifts so that Santa can distribute them ready for the big day.

Viv Watts, from Hope 4 Kidz, said: “It is always humbling to see the response we get to the appeal but it is heartbreaking that we cannot help all those who need that help.

“This year, I think we have had more requests from charities and organisations than ever before.”

Some of the charities who will benefit from your donations are: Ashkirk Homeless Unit; Fence Houses YMCA; Services to Disabled Children; Child Protection Team Sunderland; Centrepoint and Wearside Women in Need.

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Gavin Foster, Managing Editor of the Sunderland Echo, said: “We know times are hard for everyone and particularly at this time of year but if you can, please help us make a difference this festive season.”

Gifts, which must be new (second-hand items cannot be accepted) , can be left at one our designated drop off points: Tesco in The Bridges; Morrisons, Seaburn; Morrisons, Doxford Park; Sainsbury’s, Wessington Way; Sainsbury’s, Silksworth; Sainsbury’s, Washington, Sainsbury’s, Fulwell; Virgin Money, Fawcett Street, Virgin Money, The Bridges; Hays Travel, Holmside; Santander; Wilkinsons; Barclays Bank, Fawcett Street and Byron Place Shopping Centre in Seaham.