LOCAL residents have the power to help children living in poverty experience a magical Christmas.
With the festive season upon us, the annual Tameside Toy Appeal run by Tameside Council and Action Together is under way.
Last year, over 1,000 children and young people in need received a gift and over £5,000 was also raised to buy toys.
Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many families, especially with the pressure to ensure youngsters wake up to presents on the big day.
Research conducted recently showed that more than a third of Tameside children are living in poverty, with heating or eating a real choice for many families this winter.
Every gift donated through the appeal will be given to a child in the borough whose family is experiencing poverty.
Donations of new and unused toys and gifts appropriate for any child up to the age of 18 can be made up until Friday, December 13.
They can be dropped off at one of the dedicated locations – a full list can be found here.
In addition, they can be made to any Tameside library, family hub or a member of council staff.
Alternatively, cash donations can be made via this JustGiving page and the money raised will be used to purchase gifts for the categories of children where the least donations have been received. The deadline to donate online is Monday, December 23.
Tameside Council leader Cllr Eleanor Wills joined interim Chief Executive Harry Catherall and Director of Children’s Services Dr Catherine Driscoll to highlight the importance of supporting families living in poverty and celebrate the appeal’s launch.
“Thank you to everyone who supports the Tameside Toy Appeal each year,” said Cllr Wills. “It’s a great way for the community to come together to support families and disadvantaged children in the borough.
“If you can, please donate any new or unused gifts as we have the power to add a little sparkle and magic to their Christmas holidays, which everyone deserves.”