Appeal for Easter eggs for vulnerable children in Wigan was a big success

Daffodils Dreams launched an Easter egg appeal for the first time in February, so they could make it a special occasion for children who may not otherwise be given an egg.

It came after firms which supported its Christmas Eve box appeal pledged to donate eggs at Easter.

The organisation’s founder and director, Maureen Holcroft, said the response from her family, friends, businesses and members of the community was “amazing”.

More than 1,000 Easter eggs, soft toys, bags of sweets and blankets were taken to her home, as well as to drop-off points at Chorley Nissan, Alan Batt estate agents and Faith Boutique in Standish.

Wigan Council staff raised money to buy eggs and soft toys and dinner ladies at Beech Hill Primary School donated bags of treats and Easter eggs.

Young children organised their own collections and others asked their parents to get involved.

Project Linus Wigan and Leigh donated handmade comfort blankets, each with a little message, to be given to vulnerable children.

Garswood Knit and Natter group also donated blankets and children’s face masks.

Maureen said: “Daffodils Dreams is passionate about improving the lives of children and families living in poverty, through engaging and connecting communities that have, with communities that need, providing resources for those without life’s essentials, enabling the opportunity for underprivileged children to thrive at home, at school and at play.

“We are so pleased that our mission is being fulfilled and we have the support from everyone in the Wigan borough.”

The success of the appeal has benefited other organisations too.

A total of 2,500 donations were collected at the Balcarres Arms in Haigh and the Crown Hotel in New Springs, which were given to Daffodils Dreams but also Sunshine House, the Storehouse, Blessings in Disguise, More Than Words, Wigan Infirmary’s Rainbow ward and intensive care unit, Willow Project, and Wigan fire station, ambulance station and police station.

The Easter eggs are set to make a huge difference for many children - but more donations could bring even further joy.

Maureen said: “We have received 1,350 referrals so far, with this number increasing each day. I expected the need to be high but never anticipated it to be so high.

“My aim was always to give each child two Easter eggs, unfortunately this will not be possible without additional donations.”

To find out more about the appeal or make a donation, contact Maureen by emailing [email protected], or through the contact page at www.daffodilsdreams.org.

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