Help us make Christmas special for needy kids
People in South Tyneside are being urged to become a 'Secret Santa' for thousands of needy youngsters.
Today sees the launch of the Gazette’s annual Christmas Toy Appeal – in partnership with Wearside charity Hope 4 Kidz - and your generosity is needed more than ever!
Last year Gazette readers, along with local stores and businesses, enabled the charity to distribute more than 5,000 gifts, worth over £41,000.
For many families in the area the run-up to Christmas can be a worrying time.
As readers gear up for their festive season, we are again asking you to buy just one extra Christmas gift while out shopping – and leave them at one of the drop off points in the area.
They will be collected and distributed by Hope 4 Kidz to charities and organisations which support youngsters living with 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.
This is the 13th year the Gazette has teamed up with Hope 4 Kidz – which helps disabled and disadvantaged young people across the region.
The charity’s chief executive Viv Watts said: "Hope 4 Kidz is most grateful to all those who have supported our Christmas New Toy and Gift Appeal for the last 13 years.
"Please be one of our Secret Santas this year for our special needs kids, young people with disability, homeless and disadvantaged in other ways.
"The cost of living crisis means it is going to be a hard winter for those less fortunate but we are always astounded at the generosity of people, business and stores in the area for the support they give the appeal.
"These gifts - including toys, selection boxes, toiletries - bring the magic of Christmas to children who might otherwise wake up to nothing on the big day.
"Last Christmas, thanks to your donations, we were able to distribute gifts, worth £41,450, to 5,459 youngsters.”
Drop off points confirmed so far are Café Mio, in Sunderland Road; Morrisons in Ocean Road and The Gym Group, in Crossgate.
The appeal is being run in conjunction with the Gazette’s sister paper, the Sunderland Echo – and there are drop off points at Asda Washington; Hayes Travel in Vine Place; Barclays Bank in Fawcett Street; Culture House, Hayes Travel in The Bridges and Vine Place; HSBC Bank in The Bridges; Lookers Sunderland; Morrisons at Doxford; Natwest Bank in Fawcett Street; Natwest Durham; Peter Heron in Fulwell; Poundland at The Gateway Retail Park; the Sainsburys stores in Silksworth, Washington and Wessington Way; The Hub Washington; The Northeast BIC and The Roker Hotel.
The appeal is also being supported by local businesses and organisations including Adkins & Cheurfi Recruitment, Arriva, Barclays Call Centre, Christs College, Housing 21, Royal Mail and St Pauls CE Primary School.
Please leave donations in their original packaging and do not to wrap them – this will be done before they are handed out.
The last day for donations is Tuesday, December 15.
• Any businesses or stores wishing to join the team – either to volunteer or collect gifts – can contact Viv on 0191 5142497 or email [email protected]
• To become a beneficiary, email email [email protected] uk with contact number and organisation details.