TODAY the Bolton News is proud to launch the annual Bolton Lions’ Toy Appeal to ensure ALL local children will have something to smile about on Christmas morning.
The Bolton Lions have run this vital appeal for the past 38 years, helping thousands of families across the borough to a better and happier Christmas.
But they need YOUR help. The Lions can provide toys for youngsters and vouchers for older children in needy families to ensure the festive spirit really is shared this year but they need new gifts and cash donations.
Last year - with lockdown and logistical problems collecting and distributing gifts threatening the appeal - business people in Bolton Action Group, the Bolton Family, the Bolton Guild of Help and many other kind-hearted residents stepped in. Along with Bolton News’ readers, they raised more than £45,000 to buy toys and gift vouchers.
As a result, 1,571 youngsters of all ages in 620 families had new Christmas gifts.
This year, the Lions are going back to their traditional way of organising the appeal by asking people to drop off new toys at collection points across the borough. Lion Ray Stafford particularly asked for donations of suitable toys for eight to 12 year-olds.
They are also asking for donations to pay for new toys and gift vouchers and, as a result, they have set a target of £15,000.
Lions’ President Jeff Hartley said: “It’s just great we can get back to doing our famous Toy Appeal properly which means the people and community of Bolton supporting us in their usual generous way. Let’s make this a record-breaking year for the Toy Appeal,”
Editor of the Bolton News Steve Thompson added: “We are proud to be a part of such an important campaign that goes right to the heart of needy families across Bolton.
“We know Bolton residents are extraordinarily kind and generous – from pensioners to children and from businesses to schools.
“So we would appeal to everyone this year to just send whatever they can afford to help or to donate new toys to make sure children in another family they will never meet will have a happy Christmas this year. It really is the true spirit of Christmas.”
Keith Harris from Bolton FM, one of the appeal’s main supporters, added: “Bolton FM is proud to be helping the business and voluntary sectors in the crucial support of the Lions’ appeal.”
To reach needy families, the Lions work through 31 different organisations including Urban Outreach and Bolton at Home as well as 15 local primary schools and nurseries plus family homes, centres and individual families.
They have a JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/boltonlions-club?utm-term=iPv6RPQvx
Collection points across the borough where new toys can be left are:
* Bolton Lions’ shop at the Market Place, Bolton town centre, open Friday 10am to 2pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm. Gifts can be left at Breaking Barriers on the first floor outside these hours.
* Asda store at Moss Bank Way Astley Bridge
* Asda store at Manchester Road, Burnden
* Asda store at Brackley Street, Farnworth
* Tesco store at Middlebrook
* Southfields pub and restaurant, Green Lane
* Bolton Garden Centre, Wigan Road
* Readey’s, Chorley Old Road
* Hays Travel, Market Street, Westhoughton
* Hays Travel, Winter Hey Lane, Horwich
* Buchanan’s Antiques, Winter Hey Lane, Horwich
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