ACTORS from Coronation Street have launched the 2010 Toy Appeal and are asking Pioneer readers to give generously this Christmas.

Street stars Chesney and Katie (actors Sam Astom and Georgia May Foote) are hoping many under-privileged children have a Christmas to remember as they drop-off the first gifts in support of Save the Family.

Once again the Pioneer has joined forces with BiG Storage to make sure their are plenty of gifts for vulnerable children.

Save the Family is dedicated to helping homeless families and individuals.

The charity, which has been operating for 34 years, offers temporary accommodation, adult training facilities and emotional support to help homeless families and individuals resettle back into the community.

Children receive continued support and a future based on hope, trust and education.

The charity is in the process of replicating its model from Plas Bellin Hall in Flintshire to a new site near Chester, Cotton Hall Farm, Save the Family welcomes support and donations.

We are asking Pioneer readers to bring much needed seasonal cheer – and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to donate a gift. We are appealing for new gifts so look out for the ‘buy one get one free’ or ‘three for the price of two’ offers on sale.

Any unwanted gifts from last year will also be welcome. The children receiving the toys will be of all ages up to 16. Street stars Sam and Georgia said: “We are delighted to support the launch of such an important appeal. Most of us assume all children have a special Christmas but many would not get any presents at all if it were not for appeals like this.”

Paul Fahey of BiG Storage said: “We are delighted once again to be part of the Christmas toy appeal Every year the number of toys donated has increased. So every year we have been able to distribute toys to more and more under-privileging children.”

Edna Speed, founder of Save the Family, said: “We are truly thankful to be involved with this fantastic appeal. Christmas is a time for families and children to come together, and this is a great way to give joy to those who desperately deserve it.”

BiG Storage at Chester is the drop-off point. It’s at The Printworks, Sealand Road, Chester CH1 4QS (next to B&Q) – just look for the BiG Storage sign. A location map can also be seen at www.bigstorage.info.

Toys can be dropped off Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, Saturdays 9am to 4pm, and Sundays 10am to 2pm at the BiG Storage reception, which will be clearly signposted. Please ask for Brendan, Andy or Paul, or ring them on 01244 399993.

For further information, visit www.savethefamily.org.uk or call 01244 409100.