Readers responds in their thousands to Sunderland Echo Toy Appeal

Wearsiders have once again shown that they really do know the true meaning of Christmas.
Hope 4 Kidz hand over gifts from the Echo Toy Appeal to the children's ward at Sunderland Royal hospital. Pictured are; back row; Carole Davison, Shannon Crowder (Hope 4 Kids), Sue Brown (trustee Hope 4 Kids), Aimee Burns (Hope 4 Kids), Brian Dodds chair of Hope 4 Kids and 
Debbie Atkinson. Front row Olivia Grace Harrison, Maisie Leigh Proctor, Mia Eliza Jane Carr and Layla-June Dickman.

Picture: TOM BANKSHope 4 Kidz hand over gifts from the Echo Toy Appeal to the children's ward at Sunderland Royal hospital. Pictured are; back row; Carole Davison, Shannon Crowder (Hope 4 Kids), Sue Brown (trustee Hope 4 Kids), Aimee Burns (Hope 4 Kids), Brian Dodds chair of Hope 4 Kids and 
Debbie Atkinson. Front row Olivia Grace Harrison, Maisie Leigh Proctor, Mia Eliza Jane Carr and Layla-June Dickman.

Picture: TOM BANKS
Hope 4 Kidz hand over gifts from the Echo Toy Appeal to the children's ward at Sunderland Royal hospital. Pictured are; back row; Carole Davison, Shannon Crowder (Hope 4 Kids), Sue Brown (trustee Hope 4 Kids), Aimee Burns (Hope 4 Kids), Brian Dodds chair of Hope 4 Kids and Debbie Atkinson. Front row Olivia Grace Harrison, Maisie Leigh Proctor, Mia Eliza Jane Carr and Layla-June Dickman. Picture: TOM BANKS

The Echo Toy Appeal was launched in partnership with Wearside charity Hope 4 Kidz, with the support of our designated drop- off points across the city – and you responded by donating more than 3,600 gifts.

This means that thanks to you thousands of children woke on Christmas Day to a sack full of presents.

Trish Hownam, of Morrisons Doxford Park, with Shannon Crowder, of Hope 4 Kidz.Trish Hownam, of Morrisons Doxford Park, with Shannon Crowder, of Hope 4 Kidz.
Trish Hownam, of Morrisons Doxford Park, with Shannon Crowder, of Hope 4 Kidz.
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Viv Watts, of Hope 4 Kidz, said: “We have been left speechless. People’s response has been fabulous.

“We are simply astounded not just by the number but the quality of gifts given.”

Sunderland Echo managing editor Gavin Foster added: “Once again the generosity of our readers is astonishing. Each year we launch the appeal and hope that our readers will dig deep to help those less fortunate.

“We cannot thank you enough for making the appeal the success that it is.

“In what are still very tough times, our readers have dug deep to help those less fortunate and to give youngsters something special this Christmas.

“We applaud you all.”