Readers make Easter a cracker for kids

The annual Easter Egg Appeal – by the Shields Gazette sister paper the Sunderland Echo and charity Hope 4 Kidz – has delivered over 2,500 eggs and toys to children in the area who are fighting illness and disabilities or suffering problems such as poverty and abuse.

Every year, we ask readers to buy an extra Easter Egg and put them in collection baskets at supermarkets and stores all over the area.

With the help of a number of businesses who were also able to get involved, the final total this year was 2,678 eggs – despite the problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Viv Watts, chief executive of Hope 4 Kidz, said: “My deepest thanks go to to everyone who has supported the appeal this year.

"It has been a humbling experience to see the way people, the stores and businesses have all contributed to making Easter special for so many children.

"Despite the challenges created by the pandemic, people’s generosity has shone through to support those who are less fortunate.

She added: “From all at Hope 4 Kidz, thank you for supporting the Easter Appeal, you will have made a lot of children and young people very happy.”

Gary Oliver, head of content at the Gazette, said: “People have again amazed us with their generosity, especially in these difficult times.

“We cannot thank you enough for all your donations, which have helped to, yet again, make our appeal so successful and which will bring so much joy to some of our most poorly and vulnerable youngsters.

"Once again thank you.”

Among the organisations to receive the eggs are Butterwick Hospice, Sunderland Area Parent Support, Sunderland Royal Hospital, South Tyneside Hospital,

The Children's Society, Together For Children, Young Carers Sunderland, Durham Woman's Refuge, Fencehouses YMCA, South Tyneside Women’s Refuge,

Harry Watts Academy and Pennywell Community Centre.

Drop off points were at Morrisons Doxford Park; Sainsburys at Fullwell, Silksworth, Washington and Wessington Way, Tesco North and The Bridges; The BIC Hub Washington, Wilkinsons Sunderland and Morrisons in South Shields.

Companies and businesses who supported the appeal include Roll Royce, Barclays, The BIC Southwick, The Hub Washington and Wolfe Healthcare