Donate a gift to our Christmas toy appeal

Tens of thousands of people have donated gifts over the years, helping to make Christmas special for disadvantaged children.

Many of these children would receive nothing if it wasn’t for the generosity of our readers.

The gifts are collected by Northamptonshire County Council’s social services team, who in turn give them to children across the Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Rushden areas.

Jeanette Walsh launched the appeal in 2002 when she worked for the social services team.

Although she is now retired Jeanette - also known as Mother Christmas - is still involved in the appeal.

She said: "Last year the readers did an excellent job of donating wonderful gifts and toys and let’s see if we can do even better this year.

"Let’s make a BIG difference to the children and young people across our region. Thank you from Mother Christmas."

Donations, which must be unwrapped, can be anything from toys for young children to items suitable for teenagers such as make-up, toiletries, jewellery and vouchers.

Drop-off points for gifts can be found in Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough.

Gifts can be left at Kettering’s William Knibb Centre, in Montagu Street, between 9am and 3pm, from Monday to Friday.

The Corby Cube, which is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am until 5pm, is also acting as a collection point.

And gifts can also be left at Wellingborough Museum which is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4.30pm.

Northants Telegraph editor David Summers said: “We cannot thank our readers enough for their generosity.

"Since the appeal launched in 2002 they have donated thousands of toys, making a real difference to disadvantaged children in Northamptonshire. I'm sure this year will be no different.

"We must thank the staff at the William Knibb Centre, Wellingborough Museum and Corby Cube.

"They have all agreed to act as collection points again and without their help the appeal would not be the huge success it has been.”

People are asked to drop off gifts by 5pm on Friday, December 13.

All of the gifts are then gathered at the William Knibb Centre before being distributed in time for Christmas.