THE Press is today launching its annual Toys & Tins Appeal in a bid to help ensure some of York’s most vulnerable people enjoy a happy Christmas.

We want readers to donate new toys, books, games, teddies, dolls so that children staying at a York refuge and in poverty-stricken families all wake up on Christmas Day to presents.

We are also asking for donations of food to ensure people in need have food to put on the table on the big day.

The appeal will once again support the Salvation Army, as it prepares to fill food parcels for people in need and collect toys for children from struggling families, and also assist the refuge run by Independent Domestic Abuse Services IDAS, the charity which supports anyone affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence.

There has always been a massive response from readers, with countless bags donated, filled to the brim with teddies, toys, sweets and food.

Major Andrew Dunkinson of the Salvation Army, which is also running its own Christmas present appeal, has told previously how it helped more than 720 children last year. He asked people to donate only new toys.

The appeal is once again being supported by staff at York-based Benenden Health, whose engagement co-ordinator, Nicola Taylor, said it was again involved as it was a ‘fantastic opportunity to give back to the local community.’

She said:”With the usual array of festive donations from our colleagues, I hope that we are able to add some festive cheer to those that the two worthy charities will reach out to.”

•Gifts should be handed in to The Press’s reception in Walmgate, York, during normal office hours, 9am to 5pm, but closed between 3 and 4pm, by no later than December 14.