Festive countdown for launch of annual Burnley Express and Salvation Army Christmas toy appeal

Pictured at the launch of this year's Christmas Toy Appeal at the Salvation Army citadel in Burnley are (from left to right) Janet Raven, Jean Steele, Cpt Maisie Veacock, Major Ann Silcock, Christine Hunt and Burnley Express reporter Sue Plunkett.

Once again we are asking the generous residents of Burnley and Padiham to get into the festive spirit and pop an extra present on their list that will be distributed to families who may struggle to provide gifts during the festive season.

And with just over six weeks to go before the big day, the countdown to the festive season is already underway.

Toys and gifts, for babies and children up to 16, are needed. Gifts large and small are welcome to help make Christmas morning special for hundreds of children across the borough.

Every year the residents of Burnley and Padiham show tremendous support for the appeal, donating hundreds of wonderful toys.

Last Christmas 600 children in 150 families woke to presents under the tree donated through the appeal.

Capt. Maisie Veacock of the Salvation Army has this year made a special appeal for items for babies and teenagers. Cash cannot be accepted but gift vouchers are welcome.

She said: “The generosity of people is amazing and very touching because it makes such a difference to so many children on Christmas morning.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who donates to the appeal, especially when times are hard for a lot of families.

“We are also grateful to everyone who acts as a collection point for the appeal.”

Selection boxes are also welcome but electrical items, DVDS, items requiring batteries and toy weapons are not suitable.

Donations of large bin bags are also welcome but donated gifts should be left unwrapped and must be brand new.

Drop off points include the Burnley Express office at Business First on the Empire Business Park in Liverpool Road, the Salvation Army shop and Lloyds bank in Burnley town centre, Costa Coffee inside Tesco, Centenary Way and Asda in Princess Way, Burnley.

Items can also be taken to the Salvation Army citadel in Richard Street between 10am and 3pm. Toys can be donated from next Friday (November 17th) until Friday, December 8th.

The toys are distributed through agencies in the borough and families wishing for toys must be referred through an agency.