Daffodils Dreams launches its eighth annual Christmas appeal to bring festive joy to children in Wigan

Wigan residents and businesses are being urged to support an initiative aiming to bring comfort, joy and a little Christmas magic to children who need it most.

Daffodils Dreams CIC has launched its eighth annual Christmas appeal, which provides bags filled with new nightwear, cosy bed socks and sweet treats for children to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

The number of bags needed increases each year, with hundreds of children up to the age of 18 supported annually.

Children are referred through schools, social care, health services, Start Well and other agencies, helping Daffodils Dreams reach families facing difficult circumstances.

Founder and CEO Maureen Holcroft said: “The idea behind our Christmas Eve bags has always been simple: a child having a bath, putting on their new pyjamas and cosy bed socks, then settling down to watch a Christmas film with their sweet treats.

“Sadly, I know that won’t be the reality for every child. But we want them to have something of their own to enjoy and to know someone has thought about them.

“For a parent already struggling to afford everyday essentials, Christmas can bring so much extra worry. We hope our bags help lift a little of that pressure.”

Alongside the Christmas Eve bags, Daffodils Dreams provides sacks of toys received through donations.

Children identified as being in greatest need are put forward for additional support through its collaboration with Team Wigan and Leigh, including food hampers and cash vouchers for their families.

This collaboration helps extend the support available, bringing some relief to households facing particularly difficult circumstances over Christmas.

Maureen added: “The toys make such a difference. For a child, having something to open and enjoy is a special part of Christmas. For their parents, knowing there are gifts for their children can be a huge relief.

“Working with Team Wigan and Leigh means we can help families access additional support too. Together, we can reach further and help ease some of the worry Christmas brings.

“We deliver to children on Christmas Eve. It’s a very emotional morning, but also incredibly rewarding. It brings home exactly why we do this.”

The appeal is made possible through the generosity of businesses, individuals and Daffodils Dreams volunteers, who help collect, organise, pack and deliver the donations.

“We are so lucky to have wonderful volunteers and a community that continues to support us,” Maureen said. “So much care goes into every bag, and every donation helps us reach another child.

“This is our eighth Christmas appeal and the need keeps growing. We would love businesses and individuals to get involved, whether that’s donating items, organising a collection or helping fund the appeal.”

Donations of new nightwear, bed socks, sweet treats and new toys are welcomed.

People wishing to donate are encouraged to contact Daffodils Dreams to discuss the ages and items currently needed.

Donations can be dropped off during opening hours at the Daffodils Dreams boutique and community centre on Wallgate, Wigan.

Schools and referring professionals can contact Daffodils Dreams for details of the referral process. Self-referrals are not accepted.

To find out more, contact Daffodils Dreams directly through its Facebook page.