Help us make Easter special for needy youngsters

Last year, you donated over 2,000 chocolate treats to our annual appeal – which is run in conjunction with Sunderland-based charity Hope 4 Kidz – and this year's effort is now underway.

We are asking readers to provide a little cheer for needy youngsters by buying extra chocolate treats and dropping them off at collection 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.

An Easter gift will make all the difference to them – and that's what we are asking you to provide.

Sunderland charity Hope 4 Kidz, which supports underprivileged children, will be collecting and distributing the eggs in the week leading up to Easter.

Viv Watts, chief executive of Hope 4 Kidz, said: “Thanks to the fantastic support we got from local people, businesses and stores in the area, we were able to make last Christmas special for 4,500 needy local children.

"Now, once again, we are aiming to make Ester ‘eggstra special’ for them.”

She added: “The economic crisis is hitting more and more families than ever, so please donate an egg to support children with special needs, whether it be in hospital, refuges, or living in poverty.

"If you can, your support for the Echo Easter Egg Appeal will make a huge difference to children in those less fortunate families.

"In just one day we have over 400 requests for eggs and ,with your help, we can support all of those wishes.

“Together, we can make a difference.”

Echo Editor Ross Robertson , said: "We are all living in very difficult times at the moment but, just as our readers did for our Christmas appeal, I know the people of Sunderland will do all they can to bring some cheer into the lives of local children.

“We are delighted to once again be part of this appeal. It is a cracking cause and we hope this year’s will be bigger than ever.”

The drop off points are in place now and will be until Monday April 3.

Drop-off points for eggs in the Sunderland area are at, Asda Boldon, Asda Grangetown, Evans Halshaw, in Wessington Way; Hayes Travel, HSBC Bank, at The Bridges; Sainsburys stores in Silksworth, Washington and Wessington Way; Santander Bank, in Waterloo Place; Virgin money, Fawcett Street and Wilkinsons.

Local businedsses which have signed up to support the appeal include Adkins & Cheurfi Recruitment, Aident Seating UK Ltd, Arriva, Barclays Call Centre, Bunzl, Complete Business Solutions, Maxim FM, Nike, Northeast BIC, Siemens Energy, The BIC Hub Washington and World Pay Gateshead.

*If you would like to nominate an organisation to receive eggs for their beneficiaries, email [email protected].