GENEROUS readers have rallied and donated bagfuls of gifts to help less privileged families enjoy a happy Christmas this year.
Among them was Bez from the Happy Mondays who came down with an armful of games to donate to the Wilmslow Express BiG Storage Christmas Toy Appeal. He added them to the pile of toys which is growing by the day.
Bez can well and truly empathise with families facing problems as he was homeless for several years as a teenager and found life really tough.
Bez said: "Christmas is a really special time of year when everyone should forget about their problems and chill out and have a bit of fun.
"I have two healthy boys, so reading about the kids out there who don’t face a good Christmas made me think I wanted to give something to help them have a happier day."
Bez added a message to all our readers: "I would appeal to all the Express readers to buy an extra present to make it a happier Christmas for a needy kid out there.
"You don’t have to break the bank as you could spend your vouchers earned from Tesco’s clubcard points, or donate the ‘third’ item you buy from those three for the price of two offers."
The Wilmslow Express along with our sister papers the Stockport Express and Times, Macclesfield Express and the Macclesfield and Poynton Times are teaming up with BiG Storage to make a real difference to underprivileged children this year, by appealing to our readers, local businesses and retailers to donate NEW toys for underprivileged children in the local area.
These will be distributed through several charities including Henshaws Society for the Blind, Barnardos, NCH Poolswood Family Centre and The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.
Your gifts will go to children of all ages up to 16, so don’t forget the teennagers this Christmas. As well as toys the appeal is looking for gifts with teen appeal such as cosmetics, toiletries, fashion items or computer games.
Paul Fahey from BiG Storage said: "Its great that the message is getting out there and that people like Bez are moved enough to remember underprivileged and needy children.
"Although the gifts are coming in, we still have a long way to go, so please dig deep – your donation will make some child or teenager very happy however small it may be."
BiG Storage is the drop off point for gifts which will be stored until delivered to the charities by December 10 ready for distribution to the children.
The BiG Storage branches in the area are at at the Stanley Green Industrial Estate (near B&Q) in Handforth (0161 486 6000) and on Fence Avenue, Macclesfield – near Arighi Bianchi (01625 437100) - just look for the BiG Storage sign.
Toys can be dropped off Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays at the BiG Storage reception which will be clearly sign posted.
Or you can drop them off at the Wilmslow Express office at 15, Water Lane, Wilmslow.
