Let's make Christmas special for those who need help

Observer Give A Gift Appeal is now underway.

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Every year since 2008 more local children and young people have needed your support than before - and more charities and good causes seek out our help.

And this year is no exception.

You can contribute to giving them a better Christmas by dropping off a gift at any of the drop-off points listed at the bottom of the page.

Over the years, our generous readers have donated thousands of toys and gifts for deserving youngsters across the area through the appeal.

In recent years many of you who usually donate have no doubt been feeling the pressure yourselves amid the cost of living crisis.

And with charities and good causes desperately trying to help growing numbers of families in need to feed, clothe and keep their children warm this winter, we appreciate that toys may not seem like a necessity in such circumstances.

The fact is, however, that children in our communities need and deserve something special more than ever - whether that's due to their financial circumstances, their health or whatever difficult circumstances they have going on in their lives.

The local charities who so admirably support them all year round also deserve our help. By donating a gift it ensures they don’t have the additional struggle of having to dig into already stretched funds to alleviate the pressures on these young people and their families at this time of year and instead can concentrate on the rest of their great work.