This is the fourth year Burnley Together have run the appeal and it is hoping that Christmas 2023 will be the best yet.

Now in its 28th year, the popular appeal helps to make sure the festive season is magical and special for disadvantaged children across Burnley. The generosity and kindness of the people of Burnley and Padiham make the appeal a success year after year by donating hundreds of toys, gifts and treats for children to wake up to on Christmas morning.

This is the fourth year Burnley Together have run the appeal and it is hoping that Christmas 2023 will be the best yet. Last year an amazing 1,032 youngsters in 545 families received gifts to open on Christmas morning.

Originally launched by the Salvation Army, with the support of the Burnley Express, a call has gone out for businesses and organisations to host a collection box for toys and presents for one or two weeks in the lead up to Christmas. In 2022 50 organisations across Burnley and Padiham hosted toy bins.

Nicola Larnach, Co-ordinator at Burnley Together said: We’re delighted to be running the Christmas appeal for the fourth year in a row. Each year the generosity of people in the community has been amazing and helped bring joy to hundreds of families.

We hope this year that the appeal will be our best one yet, we’re grateful for any donations that can make a huge difference to people and spread as much festive cheer over Christmas.”

Burnley Express editor John Deehan said: “No child should be without a present on Christmas morning. For almost three decades the Christmas Present Appeal has sought to ensure that doesn't happen.

“It always amazes me, the generosity of spirit across our town, and every year, the overwhelming response to this appeal demonstrates just how much helping others means to so many.

“Even the smallest gifts can make the biggest difference, so whether it be toys, vouchers or your time, please donate what you can, and let's try and spread as much festive cheer as possible this Christmas.”

The appeal closes on Friday, December 8th, and the task then begins of distributing the presents.

New and unwrapped toys and gifts for children up to the age of 16 to 18 are welcome. Organisers are particularly keen to receive gifts for children over the age of 12, including vouchers and gift sets.

If you would like to donate a gift collection points include Tesco in Burnley and Padiham, Asda in Burnley and also Down Town community grocery and kitchen in Charter Walk, Burnley.

If you would like to host a collection bin or you could spare a couple of hours to become a Christmas ‘elf’ and help with the sorting and distribution of the toys please email: contact@burnleytogether.org.uk