Firefighters and Miss Cheshire support Chronicle’s Christmas gift appeal

Dec 2 2009 Chester Chronicle

THE BiG Storage and Chronicle’s Make A Real Difference Christmas gift appeal received a boost this week when Green Watch from Chester’s Fire Brigade showed their support.

A touch of glamour was also added by Miss Cheshire, Catriona Cameron, who came along with a toy to donate.

Chester and Cheshire West Unitary Performance Manager John Salt said: “We are more than happy to support this wonderful appeal supporting two local community initiatives which are very close to our hearts.Š

“Save the Family, which accommodates and supports homeless families in Cheshire and North Wales, and Claire House Hospice, which supports children and young people with life-limiting conditions throughout the region, both do such tremendous work within theŠcommunity and it is only fitting that we support this local appeal.”

Now in its third year, the appeal is running in conjunction with The Chronicle for the many underprivileged and vulnerable children from nominated local charities in the area.

The children who will benefit from the appeal are those from Save the Family and Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Both are well known local organisations with the latter providing a lifeline to homeless families facing incredible hardship by providing a roof over their heads and an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

With more children and teenagers to provide for this year, we have a bigger challenge on our hands as we need more toys and gifts.

Although the appeal has already received some donations, there is still a long way to go and not that many weeks left until Christmas.

So we are appealing to you, our readers, to think about donating a gift for a very worthy cause which will help make Christmas extra special for a youngster.

Don’t forget, you don’t have to break the bank to make a needy child feel special. Make it easy on the pocket by using those ‘loyalty vouchers’ and taking advantage of those ‘get one free’ offers.

The recipients of the appeal will include children of all ages up to 16, so do remember the teenagers who are still children at heart and love to receive presents, especially at Christmas time.

We can only give new toys to the children and teenagers benefitting from the appeal and they should be presented unwrapped so that the charities can choose toys and gifts most suitable for the recipients.

BiG Storage branch manager Andy Poulter said: ‘A big thank you to those generous people who have already brought some gifts down for the appeal.

“The team at BiG Storage would really like to do all we can to make Christmas a better time for those kids who are facing difficulty and hardship.

“Money is tight for lots of people this year, so don’t forget if your budget doesn’t allow for an extra gift, then take advantage of those ‘get an extra one free’ offers. That way you can donate without it affecting your pocket.”

BiG Storage on Sealand Road, the driving force behind the Make A Real Difference gift appeal, is to be the main drop off point for the donated toys.

The donations will then be stored in a clean, dry and secure storage unit until they are needed for Chrismas delivery to the recipient children from the nominated charities.

BiG Storage is located the Printworks on Sealand Road, next to B&Q and is clearly signed. Alternatively visit www.bigstorage.info for a location map.

Toys can be dropped off Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays or 10am – 2pm on Sundays at the BiG Storage reception which will be clearly sign posted.

Please ask for Andrew, Brendan or John or ring 01244 399993.