An appeal has been launched for the public to donate toys to children spending their Christmas at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s hospital.
Plans for Santa to give out wrapped donations on Christmas Eve to children currently in the hospital are in full force with the campaign encouraging people to drop toys off at locations all over Merseyside.
Vikki-Michelle Hegerty, who is heading the campaign, hopes that the donations from kind-hearted people across the city will bring a little bit of Christmas cheer to children who may find it difficult to enjoy this time of year.
• Knit-Wise, Church Street, Ormskirk.
• Usher Travel, 11 Wallasey Road, Liscard.
• The Railway Pub, Bridge Road, Litherland.
• The Feelgood Factory, Marion Square, Netherton.
• Yes & Co. Bold street, Liverpool City Centre.
• Skin Deep Aesthetics, Chester Road, Warrington.
• Rufford C of E Primary School, Rufford.
• Rosebuds Farm Bakery, Brick Kiln Lane, Ruffed.
Hegerty, 26, said: “My plan is collect all of your donations in, then I will wrap them for Santa will make his way around Alder Hey on Christmas Eve to surprise all the Children who have to spend their holidays in hospital.”
The appeal is encouraging people to dig deep, even if they can only donate a packet of colouring pencils. Every little will help with no gift being too big or too small, organisers says.
Gemma Jones, 34 and from Runcorn, has a one-year-old daughter who has spent the majority of her first year of life in the hospital.
She told JMU Journalism: “I think it’s so great that people come together at this time of year, especially when it comes to helping children.
“I think it will be lovely for the children, I know it can be a tough time so anything that can bring a little bit of Christmas cheer is welcomed.”