MOTHERS and their children who stayed at a York refuge over Christmas have thanked readers for their generosity in donating hundreds of items to The Press’ Toys & Tins Appeal.

The annual appeal aimed to brighten up Christmas for victims of domestic violence and other vulnerable residents, and readers once again responded magnificently.

Staff at Benenden’s offices in Holgate Park also boosted the appeal by collecting huge numbers of gifts.

Just before Christmas, staff from Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS)took two packed car loads of toys, games, books, chocolates and perfume back to York’s refuge for women and children who had escaped domestic violence.

Now families from the refuge have sent a thank you card to The Press.

One resident wrote: “A big thank you. Hope you had a great Christmas,” another wrote: “A big thanks for all your kindness and generosity,” while a third wrote: “Thank you so much for your help. God bless you.”

Another note said: “Thank you for all the presents. I really like them.”

Sarah Hill, chief executive of IDAS, said: ‘We would like to say a big thank you to the readers for their generosity over Christmas.

“It means such a lot to families using our refuge to know that people care enough to donate toys and gifts so that they can give their children the best Christmas possible.’ She added that the refuge housed ten families over Christmas and the donation directly helped up to 15 children. “Families in need in the community were also helped.”

The appeal’s other beneficiary, the Salvation Army, has already thanked readers for donating hundreds of items as it battled to cope with a dramatic surge in demand for help from struggling families.