Wigan Council's festive toy appeal

Wigan Council is running the call for playthings to help youngsters whose families are on the breadline and will struggle to put something under the tree for them on December 25.

Other news: Court hears shocking details of filthy Wigan tattoo parlourEmployees have been donating toys and selection boxes and kind-hearted Wiganers can also join in the charity drive.

Coun Jenny Bullen, cabinet member for children and young people at Wigan Council, said: “These donations will truly help families who may otherwise struggle to buy their children a present.

“We know our communities are so generous and that is one of the brilliant things about our borough.

“If you can, please help us to make every child smile this Christmas.”

Gifts, which should be bought new, can be dropped off at collection points in the borough to help youngsters in need.

All the items donated need to be suitable for primary school children aged between four and 11. Contributions to the appeal should not be wrapped.

The collection points for toys are the reception at Wigan Town Hall, the front desk of Wigan Life Centre North and Leigh Town Hall.

The final deadline for items to be donated is Friday December 21. They will then be given out to families suffering hardship through The Brick.

Wigan Council staff regularly take part in charity collections throughout the year and donate items including tins and toiletries to food banks across the borough.

Figures released in recent months suggest that sadly many families will be counting the pennies during the festive season.

As many as one in three children in Wigan - and more than four million youngsters nationwide - are officially classed as growing up in poverty.