THE Warrington Guardian and BiG Storage Toy Appeal took time out this week to visit one of the charities who benefit from all the toy donations.


The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT), based in Lymm, caters for children across the north west all year round and provides a welcome break for children and carers who otherwise may not be able to have a holiday.


And for six weeks a year the buildings turn into a Santa’s grotto with activities and games, Christmas characters and reindeer to spend time with disadvantaged and disabled children.


Paul Whittaker, BiG Storage Toy Appeal co-ordinator, said: “When asked to put on a giant 7ft foam Christmas tree I wondered what I had let myself in for.


“However when we all saw how much it meant to the children, I knew it was worth every sweaty, claustrophobic minute and It just reiterated to me how important this appeal is to those in our community and it certainly left me with a tear in my eye.”


Helen Crowther from CAFT added: “We’ve had so much fun with the BiG Storage volunteers over the last couple of days, they’ve been brilliant in entertaining the children whilst dressed as mascots.


“BiG Storage have also played another vital role in making our parties a success through their fabulous toy appeal and we really can’t thank them enough for all of their hard work. We’d also like to encourage anyone who is thinking of supporting the toy appeal to please do so, every gift donated will bring a smile to the face of a very special child who has known hardships that most of us couldn’t comprehend.”


Toys can be dropped off at Warrington BiG Storage Branch, 73 Manchester Road, Woolston from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.


Gifts can also be handed in at RTL Recycle Technology Ltd, 12c Warrington Central Trading Estate, Bewsey Road.