Deadline approaches for Chronicle’s Christmas toy appeal

Dec 7 2009 Chester Chronicle

DESPITE the high security at Chester’s BiG Storage, the gifts that have been received so far for our Make A Real Difference Appeal have an extra special guard.

They are now in the safekeeping and under the watchful eye of Chester’s own gentle giant – Good King Wenceslas.

He has taken up residence at BiG Storage for the duration of the appeal, run in conjunction with The Chronicle.

Two weeks to go until Christmas, and even though we have received lots of wonderful gifts for the toy appeal, we do need more, so if you can, please help.

Remember it’s new toys we are looking for, suitable for children and teenagers up to the age of 16. The older children are sometimes overlooked, but they get just as excited about Christmas as the younger ones do.

They are also just as easy to buy for and with all the fabulous offers out there this Chrismas it shouldn’t make a noticeable difference on your pocket.

Toiletries go down a treat for both girls and boys, as do accessories, photo frames, hair care products, perfumes and aftershaves, scarves, gloves and so forth, the list is endless.

Please donate your gifts, unwrapped, so that the charities can select suitable presents for the children and teenagers they represent.

Toys and gifts can still be received up until December 15, in order to give the charities plenty of time to receive them and sort them for distribution to the families prior to Christmas.

So please give the children and teenagers a thought when you are out this weekend doing your Christmas shopping, and if you can, please buy an extra gift for the appeal for either a child or teenager.

Don’t worry if you can’t get your gift to us by this date, as we will ensure that all late donations are passed on in time for Christmas.

This is the third year that BiG Storage and the Chester Chronicle are running a Xmas Gift Appeal for the children of Save the Family and those from Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Both Claire House Children’s Hospice and Save the Family 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.

Andrew Donaldson of BiG Storage hsaid: “We are delighted to welcome Good King Wenceslas to BiG Storage and feel that it’s only fitting that he keeps guard over the gifts.

“I am sure that Save the Family and Claire House Children’s Hospice will be delighted with the gifts they receive - the quality and standard of which really do demonstrate the generosity of the people of the area.”

BiG Storage on Sealand Road is 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 Christmas delivery to the recipient children from the nominated charities.

BiG Storage is located at the Printworks on Sealand Road, next to B&Q and is clearly signed. Alternative 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.

KEEP THEM COMING: Readers have been responding well to the Chronicle/BiG Storage Make a Real Difference Christmas toy appeal where Good King Wenceslas is now keeping guard.

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