Launch of 25th annual Christmas toy appeal to bring some festive magic to children in Burnley and Padiham

Today sees the launch of the annual Christmas Present Appeal which this year is being organised by Burnley Together.
Last year, the Salvation Army’s toy appeal ensured that 1,800 children across Burnley and Padiham received presents. Photo: GettyLast year, the Salvation Army’s toy appeal ensured that 1,800 children across Burnley and Padiham received presents. Photo: Getty
Last year, the Salvation Army’s toy appeal ensured that 1,800 children across Burnley and Padiham received presents. Photo: Getty

For hundreds of families in the community, the prospect of Christmas is daunting, and the financial pressures can be crippling.

Adding to these challenges, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone and means that some people are in a very different situation to the one they started the year in.

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Last year, the Salvation Army’s fantastic toy appeal ensured that 1,800 children across Burnley and Padiham woke up on Christmas morning to lovely new toys and gifts. This year a lot more families will need the help of generous folk to help to make Christmas Day possible for their children.

The appeal has been supported by the Burnley Express since the start and editor Chris Daggett said this year the appeal was more vital than ever.

He said: "Every year we ask the people of Burnley and Padiham to support this appeal and their generosity never fails to amaze us.

"2020 has been a difficult and challenging year for so many of us but if you could support the toy appeal in any way please do.

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"The gifts you donate mean so much to the children and their families."

To support the appeal please donate new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present this year.

The collection points were kindly donated by the Cardboard Box Company and can be found at Asda and Sainsbury’s in Burnley, as well as Calico Homes Valley Street Community Centre.

Alicia Foley, Community Investment Manager for Calico Homes said: “When the Salvation Army approached us to take on the town’s 25 th annual Christmas Present Appeal, all of the Burnley Together partners of course, said yes.

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"We’ve been supporting the town through the Burnley Together partnership since March and it’s been amazing to see our community come together to support those who need it most.

"Every child deserves to have a magical Christmas and receive a present from Santa, and as a town, I’m sure we will continue to come together to ensure that."

The appeal needs toys right across the age range, from babies to teenagers up to the age of 16, and a suggested gifts list can be found on the Burnley Together website at https://burnleytogether.org.uk/presentappeal/With the national lockdown in place the present appeal also has a virtual element with an Amazon 'wish list' and JustGiving page.

The last date for toys to be donated to the Christmas Present Appeal is Wednesday, December 18th.