Food On Our Doorstep club receive Christmas presents as part of national charity Family Action's toy appeal

The presents will be delivered to 13 Family Action centres across the UK, including the Food On Our Doorstep club in Littleborough

Toys will be given to families struggling this Christmas, including those at the Food On Our Doorstep club in Littleborough.

The Food On Our Doorstep club at the YourTrust Sports Centre on Calderbrook Road is one of 13 Family Action centres in the UK that will receive donated toys this Christmas as part of an ongoing partnership between the national charity Family Action and LV= General Insurance.

Family Action transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation across the country.

Their Christmas Toy Appeal aims to give 12,000 toys to those who would otherwise miss out.

LV= has donated over £20,000 worth of Christmas presents to the national charity’s annual toy appeal; the donation of 1,450 toys has come from LV= GI employees, as well as the insurer’s claims suppliers and broker partners.

Mum Katie and her family were supported by the toy appeal last year. She said: “I’ve always had fond memories of Christmas even though we didn’t have much money when I was growing up.

“People put it all over Facebook – ‘Look what I’ve got my kids’ – and it makes you feel awful. It should be about spending time with the family, but I do get really stressed because, even though my kids don’t care what they get, I want to get them good presents. The toy appeal relieves that little bit of stress.

“I find the presents are usually educational or creative and last year my daughter got one of those aqua bead sets, which she loves. The toy appeal means a lot to the families that haven’t got a lot and especially the poor kids that haven’t got anything.

“Something so little can mean the world to them; it definitely means that to me.”

Heather Smith, Managing Director at LV= General Insurance, commented: “Supporting charity and community has always been close to our hearts, and that’s why we’re proud to support the Family Action Christmas Toy Appeal again this year.

“Our people have come together and been so generous, both in buying presents and donating their time to make sure the gifts get delivered in time for Christmas. It’s such a wonderful cause and we’re so pleased to play our part.”