Help us to play Santa and make this Christmas special for needy children

People in South Tyneside are being asked to help make Christmas special for thousands of needy youngsters.

- by Tom Patterson

Today sees the launch of the Gazette's annual Christmas Toy Appealin partnership with local charity Hope 4 Kidz.

For many families in the borough the run-up to the big day can be a worrying time-and this year your generosity is needed more than ever.

Last year Gazette readers, along with local stores and businesses, enabled us to distribute over 5,000 gifts to a value of £33,000.

As readers gear up for their festive season, we are once again asking you to find just one more Christmas gift while out shoppingand leave them at one of the drop-off points in the area.

They will then be distributed by Hope 4 Kidz to charities and organisations which support childrenyoungsters living with long-term illness, disabilities and problems such as poverty and abuse.