THOUSANDS of items have been donated to St Helens Borough Council's Christmas gift appeal. 

Residents, businesses, and organisations across the borough have contributed to the council's appeal to ensure disadvantaged families have a special Christmas. 

A generous sum of donations have been made, including gifts and food hampers for struggling households. 

The appeal was launched in 2010 for children up to 21 years old who may not receive presents on Christmas Day, and has since received tens of thousands of donations from a charitable community.   

More than 600 gift sacks have been put together this year with around £6,500 donated to go towards purchasing items. 

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The food hampers have been funded by the council's HAF programme in conjunction with KIND children's charity. 

Organisations including Brendon International, Torus, NGF Europe, Bold Skips, Ventrix, Communications Plus, Bookers, Nijman/Zeetank, Knauf Insulation and Chain Lane Community Centre are among who contributed.

Following the sudden death of Carole Hudson, former St Helens Borough Council Chief Executive, in November 2019, the gift appeal is now associated with Carole’s name as a legacy of her work with children and young people.

This year's donations have now been packed into bundles and hampers by a group of volunteers, with St Helens Council leader, David Baines, and Councillor Nova Charlton, cabinet member for children and young people, among those who helped with contributions. 

Councillor Charlton said: "The generosity of our borough never ceases to amaze me.

"St Helens residents, businesses and organisations are renowned for coming together to support those less fortunate during difficult times and you’ve only got to look around here at what we’ve managed to amass for this year’s gift appeal to see that level of commitment still stands at a time when most of us are feeling the pinch during a cost-of-living crisis.  

"A special thanks to gift appeal organiser, Tracy Sexton, who does a marvellous job year after year; to all the volunteers who give up their time to ensure all the donations are packed and ready to go out on time – and of course to everyone who has contributed to the appeal in the true spirit of our St Helens Together ethos which encompasses our approach of delivering help and support where it is most needed in the borough."

For further information on how to receive support this Christmas, visit https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/sthelenstogether.