GENEROUS readers of The Press have a chance once more to spread some festive cheer to York's most vulnerable and needy people this Christmas.

The newspaper is launching its annual Toys & Tins Appeal in aid of two very good causes: Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS), formerly the York’s Women’s Aid Refuge, where women and their children go to recover from the trauma of domestic violence, and the Salvation Army.

This year the need for help is greater than ever before, with the Salvation Army expecting record demand for toys as it tries to ensure children do not go without this Christmas.

Our appeal has generated a massive response over the years, with countless bags filled to the brim with teddies, toys, sweets and tins of food being dropped off every day to our offices in Walmgate.

We are asking readers to donate new and good-quality toys, games, books and other gifts, suitable for both children and women staying at the refuge and also others who have returned back into the community.

Refuge manager Jennie Rumble said it was very grateful for the support provided by Press readers, which would give a real boost to women and children.

She asked donors to keep presents unwrapped, as staff would otherwise have to unwrap them before giving them out, and said presents for people of all ages, including the mothers, would be gratefully received.

We also want toys and non-perishable food for the Salvation Army, which ensured hundreds of children and young people received a bag of toys last Christmas after an additional 200 youngsters were referred to it from York, Easingwold and Knaresborough.

Major Andrew Dunkinson said the organisation, which is also running a separate Christmas toys appeal, said it was bracing itself for the 560 children and young people it helped last Christmas to rise even higher this year.

*Toys and food should be handed in to The Press's reception in Walmgate, York, between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, by no later than December 18.