WITH just days left until the end of this year’s BiG Storage Make A Difference Gift Appeal, we’d like to once again thank Chronicle readers for their unprecedented support throughout the campaign, launched on behalf of homelessness charity Save The Family.

Thanks to your continuing generosity and donations, the young residents of Save The Family’s Plas Bellin accommodation centre will enjoy an extra special Christmas this year.

Quality gifts of all shapes and sizes have continued to arrive at designated drop off points throughout the area and are now being wrapped, ready to be opened on Christmas morning.

We’ve welcomed support from leading local businesses and retailers, including The Mall Chester and Build-A-Bear Workshop, and have been overwhelmed by the number of people prepared to add an extra gift to their shopping list or root out past presents that are no longer used or needed.

We’re continuing to welcome donations until December 11 so if you find yourself with a spare stocking filler or gift, please think of us and the hundreds of underprivileged families who need your help.

Without the support of Save The Family, teenagers like Tara Jenson, could be facing the festive season in care and separated from loved ones.

Tara, 16, lives at Plas Bellin with her parents and brother. She’s been there more than a year and is looking forward to her second Christmas at the centre.

But Tara is one of the lucky ones. Save The Family provides emergency accommodation for homeless families from throughout the North West and North Wales. They receive more than 60 referrals each and every month – many more at Christmas.

Unfortunately, the charity only has the resources to accept a handful of them.

Tara said: “If it wasn’t for Save The Family, I would have been in care this Christmas, which doesn’t bear thinking about.

“Christmas is such a special time at Save The Family. The staff work so hard to ensure everything is extra special. The residents want for nothing and are able to celebrate Christmas like any other family for which we’re all grateful.”

Save The Family founder Edna Speed MBE said: “I cannot thank Chronicle readers, retailers and businesses enough for their generosity during this campaign.”

Andrew Donaldson from BiG Storage added: “I truly believe that it’s not only the gifts, but the realisation that there are so many people out there who care, which will help lift many deserving spirits this Christmas.”