AS WE draw into week four of The Chronicle and BiG Storage toy appeal, most people have started their gift shopping ready for Christmas Day.

The appeal is still as popular as ever with many toys being dropped into the BiG Storage branch everyday.

But there is always another child or teenager that can benefit from being given a gift courtesy of the appeal.

Karen Fisher, development manager at Save the Family, said: “We are so appreciative to The Chronicle readers for making the Christmas appeal so successful.

“Unfortunately, for a number of children we work with, Christmas presents are rare, so receiving a gift this festive season will make such a difference and will put a big smile on their face well into the new year.”

The appeal collects gifts for children and teenagers who are supported by charities or children’s services in the local area.

These children may have a disability, or come from a disadvantaged or vulnerable back ground. Whatever the children’s background or circumstances, they all deserve to unwrap a present on Christmas Day.

Amanda Le Bretton from the Hospice of the Good Shepherd said: “Our Santa’s grotto not only raises much needed funds for hospice care, but also enables children from the local community to benefit from a lovely gift from Santa and to learn about the work of the hospice through interaction with the elves.”

Please think of another child while you are carrying out your Christmas shopping and take advantage of the ‘buy one get one free’ or ‘three for the price of two’ offers.

The charities which will benefit from the appeal are:

Save the Family, which provides support for homeless families, stopping them becoming separated during times of need and helping to avoid children being taken into care while parents are searching for help. The charity offers practical and emotional support to families facing separation at its locations in Cheshire and Wales.

Miles of Smiles is a charity based in Chester, Flintshire and Ellesmere Port which celebrates 20 years of fundraising this year. Its aim is to provide dream trips for disabled, disadvantaged and poorly local children to places such as Disneyland Paris and Lapland on a trip of a lifetime.

Hospice of the Good Shepherd, which helps to improve the quality of life for those living with any incurable illness and gives support to families, friends and carers.

Its aim is to enable people who are referred to maintain their dignity and ensure they have the best quality of life possible.

Toys can be dropped off at the reception at BiG Storage (next to B&Q), The Printworks, Sealand Road, Chester, CH1 4RN, 01244 399993. Opening hours are 8.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm Saturdays and 10am-2pm Sundays.