How you can help ensure Preston children have a Christmas to remember

The Cotton Court team with last year's haul of Christmas presents for disadvantaged children in Preston — The Cotton Court team with last year’s haul of Christmas presents for disadvantaged children in Preston

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, but for many it is one of sadness rather than joy.

Hundreds of children across the city and across Lancashire won’t be having the piles of presents under the tree.

In our time of plenty we feel it’s only right that as Prestonians we should do our bit to help ensure every child has a Christmas to remember.

We’ve teamed up with Cotton Court and Barnardo’s for the Christmas Toy Appeal.

The toy appeal has been running at the business centre in Church Street each year since 2013 and acts as a drop-off point for toys.

More than 400 vulnerable young people are given toys and presents throughout the Christmas period.

Barnado’s works to support those aged 0 to 25, many of them are young carers or in homeless units.

Presents for Barnado's — Presents for Barnado’s

We’re asking Blog Preston readers to donate toys to the campaign.

Jack Barron of Cotton Court said: “We’ve been running the Christmas Toy Appeal in support of Barnardo’s, with the help of local businesses since 2013. It’s a great cause at a time of year that should be magical for every child & young person, regardless of their background or circumstances.

“We’re asking businesses and local people that are in a position to help, to put a smile on a young persons face this year and donate a Christmas gift.

Donated toys can be dropped off at Cotton Court Business Centre just off Church Street (PR1 3BY) between 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

The following drop-off points accepting donations after 5pm on weekdays and on weekends are:

Stratos – 7 Avenham Street, Preston, PR1 3BN
Glovers Bar – 43 Glovers Court, Preston, PR1 3LS
The Wellington Inn – 40 Glovers Court, Preston, PR1 3LS
EastzEast – 19 Church Street, Preston, PR1 3BQ

Cotton Court will be making regular pick ups from these locations and taking the presents back to their offices for safe keeping.

Gifts are best not wrapped and gift vouchers are also accepted instead of toys.

Each year the campaign struggles with toys or gifts for teenagers, so if you can buy for this age group it would be appreciated.

If you have any questions about the toy appeal you can call 01772507767 or email info@cottoncourt.co.uk

We hope Blog Preston readers can back this campaign and help spread a little joy to those without this Christmas.