Wigan Youth Zone has launched its annual Christmas toy appeal.

Over recent years, the town centre-based charity has worked in tandem with the local community to ensure that no child is forgotten on Christmas morning.

And this year is proving to be no exception.

The Parson’s Walk charity is accepting donations of toys up until Wednesday, December 18, in the hope of helping struggling families over the festive season.

The charity aims to help over 14,000 people in Wigan.

placeholder image — The charity aims to help over 14,000 people in Wigan.

Since opening its doors in the summer of 2013, Wigan Youth Zone has worked with thousands of young people and their families from across the borough.

Part of the Onside youth zone network, they run daily sessions for young people aged between eight and 19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs.

Readers can help towards the Christmas toy appeal by donating toys and games that can be dropped at Wigan Youth zone reception, seven days a week.

Or they can also donate to the charity's hamper appeal which asks for donations from the public of dry foods, tinned and jarred goods and hygiene products.

The Christmas Appeal has been very generously supported by the community over the years, to provide magical memories for almost 1,000 families.

Over 14,000 children in Wigan are living in poverty, according to the latest reports from the Office for National Statistics.

In total, the community has benefitted from £85,000 in direct financial support, 30,000 presents and £72,000 worth of items for hampers.

Volunteer and training manager, Kate Rigby, said: “Christmas can be a very difficult and challenging time for thousands of people in our borough and our charity is extremely proud that we have been able to provide meaningful and tangible support to almost 1,000 families since we opened.

“However, each year it gets harder and harder as the needs in our borough grow.

“We cannot and do not do this alone: it takes a whole community to stand up and be counted for those that need the most support.”

Readers can also make a financial donation to support Wigan Youth Zone throughout the festive season.

More details on this can be found at: https://www.wiganyouthzone.org/support-us/donate-this-christmas/