Kind Wiganers dig deep so vulnerable children can enjoy Christmas

The Wigan Observer recently gave its support to Daffodils Dreams’ Christmas Eve box appeal, where people are asked to donate gifts for youngsters who may not otherwise receive anything.

And presents have been pouring in, with schools, businesses and individuals doing their bit to make this festive season extra special.

Maureen Holcroft, who runs Daffodils’ Dreams, said: “I’m made up with the response. I’m thrilled, I can’t believe it.

“The Wigan community never, ever fail. They know what we are all about, they know the good we are doing and they pull out all the stops.

“It’s amazing. I’m very proud to be a Wiganer.”

Maureen wants to make Christmas Eve a magical day for children and is collecting a range of items, such as educational games and toys, books, pyjamas, stationery, family-friendly DVDs and puzzles.

They will be put in boxes to be distributed to vulnerable children across the borough and opened on Christmas Eve as a treat.

Initially the drop-off points for gifts were Wigan Steam and, from last Saturday, Asda in Newtown,

But now donations can also be taken to: Grant’s Bulldog Forge in Scholes, Paul Whittle Cars in Higher Ince, Impressions Uniforms in Standish, Chorley Nissan Wigan and St John Fisher High School in Beech Hill.

An assembly about the initiative and the work done by Daffodils Dreams was held at St Peter’s High School in Orrell on Friday, in the hope that pupils will show their support.

Marus Bridge Primary School is also promoting the appeal to families, along with St John Fisher High School.

An Amazon wish list has proved to be popular, with people able to buy items online for the Christmas Eve boxes which are then sent directly to Maureen.

There are items listed which cost between £1 and £10, allowing people to spend as little or as much as they like.

Fortunately, a building has been donated where Maureen and her team can store all the donated items and prepare the Christmas Eve boxes.

The boxes are sure to be popular and while many gifts have been donated already, more are still needed to ensure as many vulnerable children as possible will get a special treat this Christmas Eve.

Maureen said: “We have received over 60 referrals so far in just two weeks of our launch.

“I expect this number to increase dramatically on the build up to Christmas.

“The people of Wigan need to be praised for their generosity with gifts, offers of their time and support. As always, they come together to support our work.

“Daffodils Dreams are truly grateful for their continued support .”

Gifts for the Christmas Eve boxes can be taken to any of the seven drop-off points listed.

More information about the Christmas Eve box appeal, and a link to the Amazon wish list, can be found by searching for Daffodils Dreams on Facebook.

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