Thank you to our readers from Mother Christmas as gift appeal reaches fundraising milestone

Last week the Northants Telegraph and the Northampton Chronicle and Echo launched its annual Christmas gift appeal and our readers have responded most generously.

People can support our online giving pagetohelp disadvantaged children have a better Christmas and the total so far raised has smashed the £1,000 donation mark.

The money you give will be used by 'Mother Christmas' Jeanette Walsh and Northamptonshire County Council's social services team to buy presents and gifts for looked-after children across the whole of the county.

She said: "Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far. This appeal is all about the children. They deserve it - having something they wouldn't have unless it was donated.

"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."

You can read Jeanette's story of hope here and how growing up in care inspired her to help children living in the most need.

We've teamed up with the Wellingborough-based The Faraway Children's Charity to set up this online fundraising page where you can donate an amount of your choice.

The fundraising page will remain open until Christmas but the money will be used to buy the much-need gifts from December 10, 2020.

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.

"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."

Jeanette aded: "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 give to the appealplease click here How we launched the appeal