Toys, gifts and festive treats flooding in for annual Burnley Christmas Toy Appeal

Toys and gifts, selection boxes and other wonderful festive treats are flowing in for the annual Burnley Christmas Toy Appeal.
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Even though 2020 has been a tough year for so many, it has not stopped businesses, shops and individuals from wanting to make a contrbution to the appeal that is now in its 25th year.

And those donations are vital to make sure that hundreds of children across the borough can wake up to lovely new gifts on Christmas morning.

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Launched 25 years ago by the Salvation Army and the Burnley Express this year the appeal is being run by the Burnley Together partnership of Burnley Council, The Calico Group, Burnley Leisure, BFC in the Community and many more organisations all pulling together to make it a success.

Burnley Leisure staff (from left to right) Michelle Grimes, Mark Dempsey and Janet Roundell support the annual Christmas Toy Appeal.Burnley Leisure staff (from left to right) Michelle Grimes, Mark Dempsey and Janet Roundell support the annual Christmas Toy Appeal.
Burnley Leisure staff (from left to right) Michelle Grimes, Mark Dempsey and Janet Roundell support the annual Christmas Toy Appeal.

Last year, the Salvation Army 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.

There are now 14 collection points for gifts across Burnley and, as all shops are now allowed to open, more will be added.

The Burnley Together 'elves' have been busy sorting through the presents already received through the Amazon Wishlist and the justgiving page has already seen donations reach a fantastic £1,405.

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Staff at Burnley Leisure are also raising cash to buy toys and gifts with their own 'Secret Santa' initiative and the organisation has also pledged to provide vouchers so that children and their families can take part in activities such as swimming, mini golf, holiday clubs and pitch and putt.

JCS Interiors staff (left to right) who are estimating director Paul Sterry, managing director Dave Allen and office manager Bryony Green, with their haul of Christmas goodies for the toy appeal.JCS Interiors staff (left to right) who are estimating director Paul Sterry, managing director Dave Allen and office manager Bryony Green, with their haul of Christmas goodies for the toy appeal.
JCS Interiors staff (left to right) who are estimating director Paul Sterry, managing director Dave Allen and office manager Bryony Green, with their haul of Christmas goodies for the toy appeal.

Touched by the appeal Burnley based JCS Interiors is also raising money for the appeal and so far has bought over 50 toys, 60 selection boxes and numerous boxes of biscuits and chocolates.

Anyone who would like more information is asked to go to the company's facebook page. Donations can be made by clicking HEREThe appeal is also asking people to shop local and support Burnley businesses during what has been an unprecedented year for so many. Any business that would like to be added to the present appeal directory is asked to email [email protected]. A facebook group called Burnley Virtual Christmas Market has also been launched to showcase local traders.

And the draw for a grand raffle launched by founder, Lucy Whitehall, in aid of the toy appeal, takes place this weekend.

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With more than 30 prizes up for grabs, including a signed Burnley shirt, anyone who would like tickets is asked to visit the facebook group.

Pupils and staff at Cliviger's St John the Divine have thrown their support behind the campaign by collecting presents for the appeal and also for the food bank. The school is also acting as a collection point at the start and end of the school day.

Anyone who would like more information about the Christmas appeal, including drop off points for gifts, is asked to go to https://burnleytogether.org.uk/presentappeal/

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