Make Christmas special for children in Corby, Kettering, Rushden and Wellingborough Christmas with our annual toy appeal

Corby Cube receptionist Debbie Harvey with some of the gifts donated to the appeal

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.

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.

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

Jeanette Walsh aka Mother Christmas with the toys and the team of children's workers

"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. Without their help the appeal would not be the huge success it has been.”

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.

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.

Retired social worker Jeanette Walsh, who launched the appeal in 2002, has been dubbed Mother Christmas and although retired, still coordinates staff to collect and deliver the gifts.