Generous Wiganers joining force for Christmas gifts mission

Efforts to ensure disadvantaged youngsters receive toys on December 25 are being combined.
Nigel Eden from Chorley Group Nissan with Donna Bamford and Maureen HolcroftNigel Eden from Chorley Group Nissan with Donna Bamford and Maureen Holcroft
Nigel Eden from Chorley Group Nissan with Donna Bamford and Maureen Holcroft

Daffodils Dreams has been running an appeal for several weeks to create Christmas Eve boxes full of treats for youngsters who otherwise might not enjoy much festive cheer.

However, the effort to help the borough’s children has now broadened as the organisation is working with Donna Bamford, an employee in children’s services at Wigan Council, who has previously arranged for families to receive toys during the Yuletide season.

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Donna was worried about getting donations at the end of what has been a very tough year with the coronavirus pandemic, but she and Daffodils Dreams have now teamed up to help put festive smiles on faces.

And kind-hearted businesses are stepping up to help as well, with Chorley Group Nissan on Pottery Road offering a donation in cash to buy more toys as well as the showroom for use as a drop-off point for toys.

Maureen Holcroft, from Daffodils Dreams, said: “We launched our appeal three weeks ago to help create magical memories for the children of Wigan this Christmas.

“I then had a conversation with Donna and she told me she was going to struggle this year with her toy appeal.

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“She said last year was hard and expected this year to be a lot more difficult due to Covid and so many more struggling families.

“One of her main supporters has also moved on to helping other organisations.

“I decided to help Donna and work in partnership with her to provide the toys needed for our children.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support from individuals, local businesses with donations and their time.

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“Everyone wants to get involved in such a great cause and we are truly grateful for that.

“There are still lots more donations coming in. Everybody is supporting each other and it is brilliant.”

Daffodils Dreams has a number of drop-off points across the borough where Wiganers can leave donations.

As well as the boxes, which will be filled with nightwear, sweet and savoury treats and small games, the organisation has had a large number of toys including electric bikes donated to be given out to children during the festive period.

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Teaming up with Donna and the efforts within children’s services now means even more people will be helped as both the council department and Daffodils Dreams receive referrals of residents in need from schools and other organisations.

Daffodils Dreams’ social media also shows generous donations which have been made by a number of independent businesses in Wigan, including a car sales company.

The Christmas appeal also looks like it will form the start of a longer-lasting link-up between Daffodils Dreams and Chorley Group Nissan as the manager in Wigan has offered to make the business a sponsor.

To find out more, email [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/daffodilsdreamswigan

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