THE major annual Christmas Toy Appeal in Halton has received an outstanding donation of gifts worth £4,000.

A local popular charity toy drive has been given a significant kick-start as it welcomes donations from across the borough to support families in the most deprived areas of Halton over Christmas. 

Merseyflow has joined forces with Merseylink to donate £4,000 of toys and gifts to the vital appeal. 

A walk-in centre has been set up by the organisation for the toy drive in Manor Park, Runcorn, and locals drop off donations at this centre from now up until the final day of the appeal, December 11. 

The team is looking for a range of gifts and toys to appeal in particular to children aged 0-5 years old, as that is the focus of this year’s appeal.  

Gifts for all children up to the age of 18 can also be donated. 

Helen Williams, marketing manager at Merseyflow, said: “Last year we were blown away by our wonderful staff and customers and were able to donate over 50 sacks of toys and gifts to local children in need.” 

Helen said the team are hopeful to top their total of donations given to the appeal last year. 

“Supporting the local community in Halton and the surrounding areas is very important to us, which is why we wanted to give the appeal a jump start with a donation of our own to ensure every child in Halton has something to open on Christmas morning,” she added. 

This is the fifth year that Merseyflow has supported Halton Children’s Centres over the festive season, collecting hundreds of donations to help brighten Christmas for those in need. 

Denise Caldwell, early help officer at Runcorn Children’s Centres, said: “We’d like to give special thanks to Merseyflow and Merseylink for their generous donations.  

“Every toy and gift donated is greatly appreciated and will be given to local children here in Halton this Christmas.” 

The Merseyflow walk-in-centre is open Monday to Friday 9am-7pm and on Sunday from 9am-6pm.  

The address is 9 Howard Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1SJ.