THE Chronicle and BiG Storage Christmas Toy Appeal is launched today for the 2012 festive season.

With only eight weeks until Christmas, the countdown has begun and the shops are nicely stocked full with gifts for every age, ability, and hobby.

The rush hasn’t quite yet started, but Christmas Day isn’t that far away.

Last year’s toy appeal had a record breaking finish with more gifts donated than we have ever seen before.

We are hoping that this year will be even bigger and better, but we can only make this happen through the generosity of our readers.

Paul Fahey from BiG Storage said: “So often when we support charitable causes we know that our donations make a difference, but not necessarily how.

“If you donate to the Christmas Toy Appeal your charitable and generous act will, on Christmas Day, bring happiness to a child who otherwise, for a wide variety of reasons, may have very little joy in their lives.

“Our charities, who are all local support or care for vulnerable children, some from unimaginably difficult family situations, some with emotional challenges that we would not wish on anyone.

“You will be unaware of the name of the child, their age, or gender, nor will you know why they are among the most unfortunate children in the area.

“But you are able to imagine your donated toy being unwrapped with that innocent anticipation and resulting surprise and beaming smile.”

Please help us make Christmas extra special for children and teenagers in your local area by donating a gift, however small, to the appeal which will run for the next seven weeks.

The charities which will benefit from the appeal are:

Save the Family who provide support for homeless families, stopping them becoming separated during times of need and helping avoid children being taken into care while parents are left searching for help.

Save the Family's unique model provides homeless families with an opportunity to stay together, take responsibility and build a better future for themselves and their children.

They offer practical and emotional support to families facing separation at their locations in Cheshire and Wales.

Miles of Smiles is a local charity based in Chester, Flintshire and Ellesmere Port which celebrates 20 years of fundraising this year.

The aim of the charity 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, who help to improve the quality of life for those living with any incurable illness and gives support to families, friends and carers.

Their aim is to enable those people who are referred to maintain their dignity and to ensure they have the best quality of life possible and to achieve this by recognising that each individual has their own unique physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

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