Help us make children smile

So it’s time to start our annual Toy Appeal.

We’re teaming up with the charity Barnardo’s again to collect toys to go to local, underprivileged children.

Reporter Series editor Hannah Ridgeway said: “We’ve run the appeal for many years and each year we are amazed and humbled by our readers’ generosity. We’ve already had people contacting us asking if we’re collecting again this year.”

Any toys donated must be new and unwrapped and for children of any age – but teenagers often get forgotten.

Director for Barnardo’s Yorkshire Steve Oversby said: “We’re very grateful to the readers of the Reporter Series for being so generous and donating to the Christmas appeal again this year.

“All the gifts that we receive are given to vulnerable children and teenagers that we work with in the local area.

“It could be those who are living in poverty, have been abused, have suffered homelessness or who are disabled.

“For many of the children and young people we work with, the present that you send them will be their only gift this Christmas. It will make a huge difference in showing them that someone does care.

“We are particularly looking for presents for teenagers this year – vouchers are always well received.

“Once again, on behalf of the children and young people we support and from all of us at Barnardo’s, thank you.”

Toys can be dropped into the Dewsbury Reporter office, in Wellington Road, Dewsbury – opposite the railway station – Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. The office is closed for lunch from 12.30pm-1.30pm.

Please drop off your donations by December 7.