Back the Chronicle & Echo's 2020 Christmas present appeal - it's never been more important

It's no secret that 2020 has been a tough year. It's no secret that Christmas 2020 will be tough as well.

But for hundreds of disadvantaged children and families in Northamptonshire, this will be one of the hardest Christmas' ever.

That's why the Chronicle & Echo is launching its annual Christmas appeal by saying it has never been more important to help one another.

Click here to donate to the Chronicle & Echo's Christmas Present Appeal fundraiser here.Northampton's-own 'Mother Christmas' Jeanette Walsh, who last year made sure more than 5,000 people across the county received a present, said:

"A lot of people are saying to me it's going to be difficult to get their presents this year and do what they normally do.

"The families who we help every year have struggled even more and there will be even more families in need this year as well.

"If the disadvantaged parents in Northamptonshire have to choose between presents and food, they're going to choose food. Which is why this appeal is is more important than ever.

"As far as I'm concerned, the appeal this year is more important than ever before."

Last year, Northampton's generous residents donated a record-breaking 2,500 presents so that children, young people and families on the breadline could still have something to unwrap on the big day.

For safety reasons, the Chron won't be able to accept presents this year - instead, Jeanette is asking Northampton to use that same good spirit to donate to her Christmas Appeal crowdfunding page.Every penny donated will be used to buy presents that will be distribute to more than 5,000 disadvantaged children, young people and parents through the county council's social workers to make sure Christmas can be just as special as ever.

Jeanette said: "Northampton donated thousands of pounds worth last year and I know we can do just as good or even better this year because the is greater than ever.

"We help about 5,000 people every year, and now because of lower incomes and people losing their jobs there's probably even more families in need this year.

"It's so heartwarming to that people just want to give. We proved that last year when we collected a record-breaking 2,500 presents at least."