THE Hampshire Chronicle is once again calling on its readers to help give a needy child a happy Christmas with the launch of our annual toy appeal.

Supporting Home-start, Basics Bank and Friends of the Family, the Chronicle’s Christmas Toy Appeal aims to help children of families going through difficult times.

We hope to collect new toys for a special Santa delivery to youngsters, who may otherwise have little or nothing under the tree this festive season.

Liz Stannard, co-ordinator at Home-start Winchester, was amazed by the generosity of the public last year. She said: “The cause is such a great one and this makes the appeal even more rewarding.

“Last year we chose the gifts and went round the houses in our car to the families we support.

“The parents then came to the car, chose the gift that they wanted and we wrapped it then and there!

“The best bit was seeing the smile on the parent’s faces when we came round with our delivery. So please, give what you can this Christmas.”

Home-Start is a charity that aims to offer free support to families with at least one child under five, going through difficult times.

Richard Jones, lead bookseller at Waterstones, is thrilled to be helping the cause for another year. He said: “It was a big success last year and I am happy to be involved again.

“We had so much stuff getting dropped off it overflowed our designated box.

“They had to get a cage to put everything in because the response was so great.”

Liz Marsden, The Brooks Shopping Centre marketing and communications manager, said: “The Brooks is delighted to be able to support the Hampshire Chronicle this year in collecting donated children’s Christmas gifts for its Toy Appeal.

“These three charities have been chosen because of the great work they did last year and that they’re local.

“We felt supporting local charities over national ones really emphasises the difference that can be made in Winchester.”

If you would like to donate a gift for a child this Christmas, please take it, unwrapped, to the Waterstones store on the second floor in The Brooks. Only brand new toys are wanted and must be suitable for boys and girls aged from toddlers to 13-years-old.

All donations will be divided between the three chosen charities in time for Christmas.

Closing date for all donations is Tuesday, December 15.