ONCE again the kind-hearted people of Bolton have taken our Caring Christmas Appeal to their hearts.

Readers have already started to fill the donation box in the reception of The Bolton News and each and every toy, game or gift will be very much appreciated by the children and teenagers we help each year.

Last year more than 1,000 youngsters from were able to enjoy Christmas thanks to the appeal we run in conjunction with Bolton Lions and this year we are expecting a similar number of families to need our help.

The campaign is now in its 33rd year and continues to provide such joy to so many families all over Bolton who without our help would be facing a bleak festive season.

Last year the campaign helped 569 families and a total of 1,048 children.

How this was achieved by the Bolton Lions charity is no mean feat.

But they really could not do it without you and your generosity.

With more people than ever suffering from poverty this is the year your donation could really count and make a real difference to a child's life.

There is a lot of pressure on families, at this time of year, to give their children a merry Christmas but for some families, who are living on the breadline, it is simply impossible.

But with your help we can make it happen.

Each family will receive a bag of goodies for the children to be presented with on Christmas morning.

Their smiling faces would say it all and if they could thank you, individually, they would.

With a record number of children needing help last year, and a similar number expected again this year, we are desperate for as many toys and gifts as possible.

No donation is too small and each and every present will go to a worth recipient.

Throughout Bolton churches are preparing for their special services when toys will be collected and presented to the charity.

But each gift or toy donated by a reader is just as important. A doll, toy car, football or book will be appreciated by a young child in Bolton. Games, new or nearly new, can be enjoyed by all the family and colouring books and pencils make great stocking fillers.

We always struggle to get gifts for older teenagers so cosmetic sets and bath sets (particularly for boys) are a great idea. Or what about a woolly hat or a scarf?

You can donate at any of our collection boxes listed or ring one of the Bolton Lions listed who can collect if needed.