THERE were big smiles all round as around 2,000 toys have been collected for the ninth Warrington Guardian and BiG Storage Active Toy Appeal.

Appeal co-ordinator Paul Whittaker said he has been overwhelmed by this year’s record breaking response by our amazing readers and businesses in the town who have yet again 'shown the real meaning of Christmas'.

He added: "Those who have donated to this year’s BiG Christmas Toy Appeal will have been unaware of the name of the child, their age or gender, nor will you know why they are amongst the most unfortunate children in our area.

"But, hopefully you are will be able to imagine your donated toy being unwrapped with that innocent anticipation and resulting surprise and broad smile.

"The most amazing charitable donation is the anonymous gift, however sadly for many of the children the Appeal supports, these are likely to be the only gifts they unwrap on Christmas day."

This year's appeal has been supporting those who are suffering from short or long term illnesses and physical disabilities as well as residents disadvantaged financially with charities including the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, YMCA Warrington, Warrington Children’s Ward and JUMP benefitting.

Individual cases have also been supported after the appeal was contacted by schools across the area to assist with children who they believed would not get any Christmas presents otherwise.

Paul added: “Our charities, who are all local, support or care for children from within and on the fringes of our very own community and deal mainly with vulnerable children, some from unimaginably difficult family situations.

"This has been highlighted by the communications I have had this week with the numerous fantastic members of staff at Warrington Hospital and Barbara Laugher who has been collecting gifts on behalf of the YMCA.”

Angela Saunders, from St Katherine’s children's centre, one of the appeal beneficiaries, added she was delighted with the response.

She said: “The BiG appeal year on year supports families who are struggling at Christmas.

"The appeal will really help many children smile this Christmas and we are so grateful for everyone's generosity."

Although the appeal is coming to a conclusion, some of the charities the appeal supports continue with Christmas deliveries right up to Christmas day and into the New Year.

Presents can still be dropped off at BiG Storage Branch, 73 Manchester Road, Woolston.

Call 812700 or e-mail paul.whittaker@bigstorage.info for more information.