The response to our toy appeal so far has been amazing – but there’s still time for you to do your bit to help give a child a very merry Christmas.
Toys for children aged from toddlers to 12 have been flooding in to our collection points and shops, businesses and even surgeries have been getting on board to help the cause.
This week Phil Scarlett, presidents of Spalding and district area chamber of commerce, has been out rounding up some donations and has enlisted the help of Pennygate Medical Centre in Spalding.
The surgery has collected a selection of cuddly toys, building blocks, books and even a bike to bring a smile to children on Christmas Day.
Harry Drury, of We’ll Let Your House, who is running the appeal with the help of Beales department store and the Lincolnshire Free Press, said he is delighted with how the appeal is going and amazed by the generosity of local people.
He is now busy tracking down the little boys and girls who will benefit from Santa’s sack of donated toys.
A handful of letters have already been received from struggling parents asking for a donation from the appeal – but we are hoping for more.
One mum has asked for help as she and her two children are currently living in a homeless hostel and hoping to move to their new home just before Christmas.
But she is struggling to find the money to buy Christmas presents for her children as she tries to set up a new home for them.
Another reader has askedfor help on behalf of another young mum who is struggling to make ends meet.
So please, let us know if you would like to benefit from the toy appeal and keep those toys coming in.
While most of us can look forward to tucking into fine food and unwrapping gifts from our friends and family this Christmas, some people will not be so lucky.
If you are a parent who is struggling to buy gifts for your children, you can apply for some help from our Give a Gift appeal.
Write a letter outlining why you need help and giving your name, address and telephone number, as well as the names and ages of your children.
Send your letters to Tracey Sweetland, Lincolnshire Free Press, Priory House, The Crescent, Spalding, PE11 1AB.
Toys can be donated at We’ll Let Your House’s office at Broad Street Business Centre, Spalding, the Lincolnshire Free Press office in The Crescent, or the toy department at Beales.
The closing date for applications and donations is Wednesday, December 18.