Readers back Easter Egg appeal as deadline looms

Viv Watts, chief executive of Hope 4 Kidz.

Hundreds of you have already donated chocolate treats to our annual Easter Egg appeal – run in conjunction with Sunderland-based charity Hope 4 Kidz – as the deadline looms his weekend.

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.

Some of the Easter eggs collected at a previous appeal, with organisers hoping for more of the same.

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.

Viv Watts, chief executive of Hope 4 Kidz, said: “Thanks to the fantastic support we have had from local people, we have already begun delivering eggs.

“We all know the economic crisis is hitting people more than ever but, if you can, your support on the last weekend of the Echo Easter Egg Appeal will make a huge difference to children in those less fortunate families.

Echo Editor Ross Robertson , said: "We are all living in very difficult times at the moment but, just as they 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.”

The eggs will be collected from the drop off points on 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 businesses 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.