Gifts needed to help Preston youngsters have a great Christmas

The collection point at Cotton Court during 2017's toy appeal — The collection point at Cotton Court during 2017’s toy appeal

Hundreds of gifts are needed for children in Preston who might have next-to-nothing this Christmas.

Blog Preston is joining forces once again with Barnardo’s Lancashire and Cotton Court for the annual Christmas appeal.

Last year’s toy drop saw a record number of presents donated (well done Blog Preston readers!), more than 400, and we need our reader’s help to ensure children and young people across the city, and the county, are unwrapping a present to enjoy on Christmas Day.

Assistant Director for Barnardo’s in Lancashire Debbie Nolan-Plunkett said: “We are extremely grateful to Cotton Court for their continued support for Barnardo’s and the work of the charity across Lancashire, and to Blog Preston for their help to spread the word about this appeal.

“The Christmas gift appeal, which is always so generously supported by individuals and businesses across Lancashire, is such a heart-warming initiative. We cannot convey how excited and thankful the children and young people are to receive the thoughtful gifts that people purchase for them.

“Whilst we are always grateful for toys and gifts for any age group and all will go to good homes, we support a significant amount of older children, teenagers and young adults in the county, so we are particularly keen to receive any gifts suitable for this age group. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the gift appeal – no matter how big or small your donation, it will go a long way to making a difference to the life of the child or young person that receives it.”

Donations have already begun to come in at the Cotton Court offices which acts as a donation and sorting point for the appeal.

This year’s appeal has a focus on presents for teenage carers and disadvantage young people.

Marketing director at Cotton Court Jack Barron said: “This is the sixth year we’ve held this appeal and the response we receive from the local business community is outstanding. Our goal this year is to provide at least one present to each of the young people that Barnardo’s support across the county.

“Traditionally we’ve struggled to provide for the older end of the age spectrum, the teenagers and above, so this year we’re giving that an extra push.”

Blog Preston editor and founder Ed Walker said: “It’s our second year of backing the toy donations and seeing this appeal make a real difference to hundreds of children.

“We would urge everyone to buy that extra present as they do their Christmas shopping to ensure on Christmas Day these kids have something to unwrap no matter where they are and who they are with.”

How you can donate and what’s needed

Toys and gifts for children of any age can be donated.

There’s a focus this year on presents for teenagers and young people as Barnardo’s Lancashire helps vulnerable young people from birth through to the age of 25.

It’s best not to wrap up the gifts and they can be donated at the Cotton Court Business Centre reception in Church Street, PR1 3BY. The reception is open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

For those in South Ribble the Hospital Inn pub is also acting as a collection point in Brindle Road, Bamber Bridge (PR2 6YP).

The deadline for gift donations is Monday 10 December at 5pm. This is to allow time for the presents to be wrapped and distributed by Barnardo’s.

Blog Preston thanks its readers in advance for their support and generosity.