AN appeal to help give children in Bolton the Christmas they deserve has been given a boost.

Since Saturday more than £1,000 has been raised towards the annual Bolton Lions Christmas toy appeal.

This year it's hoped £30,000 will be raised to provide toys for the families that need them the most.

Bolton Lions president Ray Stafford said he is grateful for the donations that have come in so far.

He said: “It’s been really quite busy in the last few days.

“It’s great to see ordinary members of the public getting involved and donating as well as local businesses.

“There’s been a very positive response over the last couple of days and we are very pleased with what is going on.

“We are still quite a way off it at the moment but hopefully as more people see it and share it we will get closer to that target.

“We’ve been doing this over 37 years now and Covid has provided a lot of difficulties and we’ve had to do a lot different this year, it’s all very new.

“But we are very grateful as even many people who are struggling themselves at the moment have donated.”

KP Financial Wellbeing in Horwich, has recently donated £500 to the appeal along with another £1,000 in partnership with St. James’s charitable foundation.

Kaye Price, a principle at KP Financial Wellbeing, who raised the money with Bolton Action Group, said: “In my job I’ve always been passionate about helping other businesses.

“This appeal is very close to me as a mum-of-three too as I wouldn’t want to think of any kids missing out on Christmas presents, and I want to do as much as I can to help anyone struggling.

“I made sure to give the £500 from KP Financial Wellbeing but wanted to raise more through the St. James’s foundation.

“They said they wouldn’t usually give money to these sorts of grants appeals but that this one was definitely worth it.”