Donate a present to help raise a smile this Christmas

Staff at Rochdale Borough Council will be bringing a smile to the faces of vulnerable children this Christmas by donating extra gifts to a charity present appeal.

The Council launched the Rochdale Borough Toy Appeal after hearing about Key 103’s Mission Christmas campaign and are encouraging staff to donate gifts or money so presents can be distributed to children and young people living in poverty in the borough and across Greater Manchester, many who may otherwise wake up on Christmas morning without anything to open.

Linda Fisher, Director of Corporate Services at Rochdale Borough Council, said she expected a fantastic response from kind-hearted council staff and said: “We wanted to do something to help such a worthy cause and hopefully we will have played a small part in helping some children have a better Christmas.”

Staff have been asked to leave a brand new, unwrapped toy, so it is clear what age group it is appropriate for, at collection points in any of the borough’s 17 libraries. Toys must be received by Friday, 13 December, after which they will be distributed to needy children and teenagers in Rochdale borough.

Last year more than 200 youngsters woke up on Christmas morning with a smile after receiving a gift donated by Rochdale Borough Council staff.