“Every year we are overwhelmed by the generosity of businesses, individuals and communities who donate gifts to children and young people who would receive nothing else. We couldn’t have done this without them.”

There is a particular need for gifts that will help teens or young adults, an age range that is often overlooked in Christmas appeals.

Debbie Nolan-Plunkett, assistant manager at Barnardo’s, said: “For some of these children, Christmas is just another day they may spend feeling lonely or forgotten. This attraction gives them something special to look forward to and reminds them that they are valuable.

“The excitement in their eyes when they receive a gift, knowing that it was chosen just for them, speaks volumes. “Our teams are seeing first-hand the impact this is having across Lancashire and reaching those who need it most.”

Blog Preston We endorse and support the Christmas toys appeal as our official Christmas campaign and urge all readers to donate if they can and help make this the biggest gifting year ever.

How can you help with Christmas appeal?

• Donate an unwrapped gift or gift card at one of the donation sites
• Buy a gift online (via Amazon) and have it delivered to Cotton Court
• Order a gift certificate to be delivered to Cotton Court

If you’re stuck on what to donate, Barnardo’s handy list

Donation sites for unwrapped gifts:

• Cotton Court Business Centre, PR1 3BY (Mon-Fri, 09:00-17:00)
• Cotton Court Leyland, PR25 2YJ (Mon-Fri, 09:00-17:00)
• Highfield Hybrid, Cottam (DM @highfieldhybrid on Instagram for times)
• Plug Forward, Unit 1 Murray St, Preston PR1 7HY
• Nuffield Health and Fitness, PR5 4AW (Mon-Fri, 06:00-22:00, Sat-Sun, 08:00-20:00)
• Feltons Army Surplus Stores, PR1 6RE (Mon-Fri, 08:00-15:45, Sat, 08:00-13:45)
• Freshfield, Derby House, 12 Winckley Square, Preston PR1 3JJ

Or if you are ordering online, the delivery location is as follows:

• Delivery address for online gifts and vouchers: Barnardo’s Gift Appeal, Cotton Court, Church Street, Preston, PR1 3BY.

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