Toy appeal ensures Christmas will be a cracker for needy children

Council staff Giving Back Riverside Charity Committee donated more than 300 gifts to a charity present appeal

Vulnerable children throughout the borough will wake up with a smile on their faces this Christmas after more than 300 gifts to a charity present appeal.

Linda Fisher, chairwoman of the Giving Back Riverside Charity Committee, said there has been an amazing response from kind-hearted council employees and added: “I’m so thrilled with the fantastic response from staff. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who made a donation to this worthy cause as without them it would not be possible to help so many children.”

Among the charities which will help distribute toys to the needy are Women’s Housing Action Group (WHAG), Sandbrook Children’s Centre, Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council’s, local hospitals and Key 103’s Mission Christmas Appeal.

Kirsty Rhodes, managing director of WHAG said: “It’s just marvellous that staff have made such generous donations because it makes such a difference to the children and will really put a smile on their faces this Christmas."