Let's make this year's Christmas toy appeal the best ever for Northamptonshire children

Generous readers usually donate toys but this year we're moving online
Jeanette Walsh, aka Mother ChristmasJeanette Walsh, aka Mother Christmas
Jeanette Walsh, aka Mother Christmas

For 18 years newspapers in this county have supported children in the greatest need in the county by asking readers generously to donate toys and gifts .

Today the Northampton Chronicle & Echo launches its Christmas toy appeal once again - but this year is different. Due to the coronavirus pandemic we can't collect gifts as in previous years.

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Many of our drop-off points remain closed and physically handling gifts could be risky, but that doesn't mean we're giving up on the children in most need this Christmas.

We've come up with a solution so that you can still help disadvantaged children have a better Christmas and still be Covid compliant.

The Chronicle and Echo and sister paper The Northants Telegraph have teamed up with the Wellingborough-based Faraway Children's Charity to set up an online fundraising page where you can donate an amount of your choice.

The money you generously give will then be used by 'Mother Christmas', retired social worker Jeanette Walsh, on behalf of Northamptonshire County Council’s social services team to buy presents and gifts for looked-after children across the Northampton area, and the rest of the county.

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Editorial director David Summers said: "Since the appeal launched in 2002 our generous readers have donated thousands of toys, making a real difference to disadvantaged children in Northamptonshire.

"This year is, of course, very different in many ways. But in other ways, it's not different at all.

"There are still hundreds of looked-after children who deserve to wake on Christmas morning with a smile on their face - and you, our readers, can still help to make that happen."

The online fundraising page will remain open the end of December but Mother Christmas Jeanette will be busy using the money to buy special gifts for children as soon as possible.

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Jeanette, who grew up in care homes, has dedicated her whole working life to improving disadvantaged children's lives. As well as organising the Christmas appeal she arranges an annual party for young adults who have already left care, through the Faraway Children's Charity.

She said: "The appeal is all about the children. They deserve it - having something they wouldn't have unless it was donated.

"That is what I say to the staff. They cannot believe people give money to help. They are so appreciative.

"It is so, so important that people support us this year. It will make such a difference to a lot of people. Give what you can - every little helps.

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"This is for local kids in Northamptonshire. The kids didn't ask to be in the position they find themselves but donations can make a real difference.

"Let's make it the best Christmas ever for the children most in need and let's put a smile on their faces."

To donate please go to the Just Giving page by clicking here.

Message from the editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

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