Kind-hearted residents, businesses and organisations are being asked to come together to help make Christmas 2022 extra special for some of the borough’s most disadvantaged children and young people.
Since 2010, St Helens Borough Council has run a gift appeal for children aged from birth to 21 years at risk of waking up on Christmas Day without a present.
During that time, tens of thousands of items have been donated, with last year’s appeal alone resulting in gifts being shared out between more than 700 children and young people – including care leavers.
Following the sudden death of former St Helens Borough Council Chief Executive, Carole Hudson, in November 2019 – the gift appeal is now associated with Carole’s name as a legacy of her work with children and young people in the true spirit of the St Helens Together ethos which encompasses the council’s approach of delivering help and support where it is most needed in the borough.
Councillor Nova Charlton, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “The generosity of residents, businesses, and community organisations here in St Helens never ceases to amaze me.
“We are now in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis which is affecting everyone. However, I’m once again asking that we come together this Christmas and make it a special one for all children in our care.
“I know times are hard for a lot of us right now, but I would urge those in a position to make a small donation to do so, as it certainly can go a long way in making someone’s Christmas a happy one.”
Items such as new toys, books, clothing, gift vouchers, confectionery, toiletry gift sets and cash donations will be most welcome – but with a shortage of gifts last year for babies up to 6 months and all teenagers 13 + it is asked that residents consider this age range when donating to the appeal.
For health and safety reasons, soft toys cannot be accepted, and it is asked that gifts are bought as new and are not wrapped.
Collection points have been set up in various locations across the borough to drop off gifts.
You may also wish to donate online to our Christmas appeal.
The deadline for donations is Thursday 15 December.
For more information, including a full list of drop-off points and how to make a cash donation, visit: https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/christmasgiftappeal