CHRISTMAS has been saved for hundreds of local children thanks to the generosity of Bolton businesses, organisations and individuals.

In spite of many donations of toys and cash from all over the borough, the toy appeal run by the Bolton Lions this week had a funds’ shortfall of £3.000 to purchase vouchers for the children of secondary school age.

However, a last push and the practical kindness of Boltonians has meant that the target has been met and the service organization has been able to deliver 830 sacks of gifts to local families and ensured presents on Christmas morning for 1,675 children. These numbers are the highest ever recorded in the 38 years that the Lions have been running their appeal.

The appeal has recently received many toys from Bolton School and the Market Place where management arranged for the Lions to have £1,000 worth of presents in a “supermarket sweep” from The Entertainer Toy Shop there.

Rachel Townsend, manager at Market Place, explained: “When everyone is busy spending at the Centre we know that some families simply cannot afford to get their children the gifts that will bring smiles to their faces on Christmas day.”

She added: “When the Lions explained their lack of specific toys for older children, we wanted to help out.”

Market Place’s generous gesture was echoed by local business people who made cash gifts to the appeal to buy vouchers for older children.

“We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of all kinds of people this year - which we know has been a difficult time for many,” stated Ray Stafford from Bolton Lions.

“We hear stories from organizations about children who have absolutely nothing, and this getting together to help others is really what the festive season is all about.

“There has been wonderful help from so many but we particularly want to thank Seddons for their continued help with transport and Keith Harris from Bolton FM for all his work on fundraising.

“We’d like to wish everyone who has supported us this year a very happy Christmas.”

The Lions work with 31 different organisations to deliver gifts to needy families including Urban Outreach and Bolton at Home as well as 15 local primary schools, nurseries, family homes, centres and individual families.

Cllr Anne Galloway, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Thank you to Bolton Lions for making a real difference to local families and children this Christmas.

“This can be a challenging time of year for many people, but Bolton is lucky to have outstanding charities like the Lions which go above and beyond to support those in need.”