The Bolton News is proud to launch the Bolton Lions’ Toy Appeal today to make sure that children across the borough WILL have gifts this Christmas.
This important annual appeal – now in its 39th year – has helped thousands of families across Bolton to have a better Christmas. And this year, the demand is understandably greater than ever.
As Ray Stafford from the Lions explained: “We get requests for help from schools, organisations and individuals and this year we’re already experiencing a greater demand than usual.”
Last year, with YOUR help, the appeal gave gifts to more than 800 local families with 1,700 children of all ages. Many of these would have received very little at Christmas otherwise and some would have had nothing.
The Lions gave £10,000 in vouchers, to children of secondary school age. So, as Ray Stafford added: “This year, we are trying to raise £12,000 in anticipation of the greater demand.
“We find it difficult to raise this amount of cash and only just managed it last year so donations are very welcome just as gifts are.”
The Lions have a JustGiving page on their website www.boltonlions.org.uk
Last year, there was support from Bolton at Home and Bolton Guild of Help with funding and there was plenty of support from Bolton News’ readers and other people across the town.
Bolton FM is again supporting the appeal and Bolton School Year 11 students with teacher Mrs Sophie Entwistle are helping pack the donated gifts. Bolton Market Place is again providing a unit and storage at the busy retail centre.
As Bolton News’ editor-in-chief Richard Duggan stated: “This is a time when the town comes together to help local families to have a better Christmas.
This year, with cash so scarce for many, it’s bound to be tougher than ever. But I would just ask everyone to dig deep and give whatever they feel they can to the appeal or to buy an extra gift for a child they will never meet but with whom they can share the true spirit of Christmas.”
Gifts can be taken to drop-off points around Bolton. These are at:
Asda, Astley Bridge, Moss Bank Way, Astley Bridge, BL1 8QG
Asda Burnden Park, Manchester Road, Burnden, BL3 2QS
Asda Farnworth, Brackley Street, Farnworth, BL4 9DT
Tesco Middlebrook, Mansell Way, Horwich, BL6 6JS
Southfields, 19 Green Lane, Bolton, BL3 2EE
Bolton Garden Centre, Wigan Road, Deane, BL3 4RD
Readey’s, 428 Chorley Old Road, BL1 6AG
Hays Travel, 64 Market Street, Westhoughton, BL5 3AZ
Hays Travel, 72 Winter Hey Lane, Horwich, BL6 7NZ
Buchanan’s Antiques, 37 Winter Hey Lane, Horwich, BL6 7AD
TSB, 55-59 Deansgate, Bolton, BL1 1HQ
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