THE Press and its generous readers have been thanked for saving Christmas for some of York’s most vulnerable people.

The York Women’s Aid Refuge and Salvation Army have both written to the newspaper to express their gratitude for our Toys & Tins Appeal.

The annual appeal gave readers the chance to spread some festive cheer among York’s needy at Christmas by donating unwanted toys, gifts and tins of food.

Scores responded by handing hundreds of items to The Press’s headquarters.

The generous response came just over a year after the newspaper launched its Stamp Out Poverty appeal.

Major Andrew Dunkinson, of the Salvation Army, said readers’ “fantastic generosity” meant it was able to provide toy parcels to 326 children and 221 food hampers to those in need.

“Your support enabled someone to have a very happy Christmas,” he said. “On their behalf, thank you.”

Lesley McNulty, of Independent Domestic Abuse Services, which runs the refuge for victims of domestic abuse, said she wanted to thank readers for their thoughfulness and kindness.

She said: “As we all know, Christmas is a time for families and this is a somewhat difficult time for our families, as they have often left their home town and are unable to see their friends and family.

“Many families come to us only with what they can carry and sometimes with what they stand in, leaving behind precious belongings and toys, usually never to reclaim them.

“So your generous gifts have made a difference to our women and children, and brought a smile to their faces on Christmas Day, also bringing comfort to their mothers who are only able to provide little in the way of gifts in their current situation.”

A card signed by one of the refuge’s families included the messages: “Thank you ever so much for all the fantastic presents,” and “May you have new years filled with many rewards. Thank you!”