MUMS, children and workers at a York refuge have thanked generous Press readers for giving them ‘real joy’ on Christmas Day by backing our Toys & Tins Appeal.

Hundreds of toys, teddies, dolls, games, books and balls were donated to the annual appeal, ensuring children and mothers staying at the refuge woke up to presents on Christmas Day.

Gifts also ensured the Salvation Army could fill food parcels and ensure struggling families had presents.

The refuge, run by the charity Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS), supports anyone affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence and was home to about ten women and 13 children over the festive period.

Women and children have now sent a hand-made thank you card, full of messages of gratitude to everyone who gave. One wrote: “Just wanted to say a big thank you for your kindness and generosity,” while another wrote: “You made our Christmas special".

A third wrote: “Thank you so much for your help. God bless you,’ while a fourth wrote:”Many thanks for the lovely donations. Wish you all the best for the new year.”

Staff at the refuge have also written a letter thanking readers for their ‘thoughtfulness and kindness’, and saying: “Christmas can be a very difficult time for the families, as they have often had to leave their home towns and are unable to return to see their family and friends over the festive period.

“They have also had to leave most of their belongings, clothes, toys, personal items and usually they are never able to reclaim them.

“So your generous gifts have made a real difference to our women and children and it has brought them real joy on Christmas Day.

“They also provide comfort to the mothers who are only able to provide little in the way of gifts.”