A CHARITABLE appeal that sees thousands of gifts donated to disadvantaged families and children across the Bradford district is set to begin today.

The Bradford Junior Chamber International (JCI) Secret Santa Appeal - sponsored by The Kirkgate Shopping Centre - is one of the biggest appeals of its kind in the country and will run until Sunday, December 10.

The project, now in its 28th year, has enjoyed huge success thanks to the generosity of local people, schools and businesses, and numerous ‘mini-appeals’ are already in full swing across the district.

Organisers estimate that more than 100,000 gifts have been donated to deprived children who otherwise wouldn’t have received a present on Christmas Day since the appeal started in 1989, with a record-breaking 5,225 gifts collected last year.

Those behind the 2017 campaign are hopeful of pushing towards the 6,000 gift mark this time around.

Michelle Pemberton, JCI Bradford’s community director, said: “We have been working really closely with hundreds of local businesses who have all backed our campaign in the past, and have a number of new supporters on board this year too. Everyone is so happy to help, it’s incredibly heartening.

“It’s so saddening that so many people within our communities are living in such poverty. Christmas for most of us is a time for joy, presents, food, and spending time with our loved ones, but there are so many people who are living in such harrowing circumstances, and for them it’s simply another day of struggles.

“Our appeal reaches those in real need and gives them something to look forward to at Christmas. We can’t thank everyone enough who buys a gift, donates their time, and generally helps promote the appeal. People never seem to tire of giving and that is incredibly comforting to see.”

Gifts can be dropped off at The Kirkgate Centre and those wishing to donate can also pick up a tag from the Christmas tree there which has the name and age of some of the young people who will benefit from the appeal.

Presents can also be donated at Queensgate Market in Huddersfield, Eureka! the national children’s museum in Halifax, and The Mill Outlet in Batley.

Catherine Riley, centre manager at Kirkgate, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome the Junior Chamber Secret Santa Appeal to Kirkgate again this year. Our shoppers and the local businesses are so wonderful, their generosity will put a smile on the faces of thousands of children this Christmas.”

Businesses in Bradford already running mini-appeals for 2017 include Schofield Sweeney solicitors, based on Church Bank in the city centre, and the chartered accounts BHP, which has teamed up with social services, Bradford Teaching Hospital, and local charities including Women’s Aid, St Vincents, One in a Million, and Barnardos.

Jessica Fielden and Lauren Midgley, JCI Bradford members and solicitors at Schofield Sweeney, said: "The appeal is something that Bradford and Yorkshire, as a community, should be extremely proud of.

"We have received an overwhelming amount of support from local people and businesses and we would like to thank all taking part.

"The appeal makes such a difference to thousands of families, and to help put a smile on a child’s face on Christmas Day is an amazing feeling.

"There are so many people and local organisations eager to get involved, most of which have been involved for a number of years, and their continued support and generosity is inspiring.

"The appeal has gone from strength-to-strength thanks to the support from the Bradford community, and it’s fantastic to see such positivity in Bradford."

Claire Robinson, a fellow JCI member and audit manager at BHP, said: "The response to the appeal is truly awe-inspiring.

"The number of donations just keep growing year-on-year and this year we are planning on helping more children than ever before."

For more information, visit www.secretsantaappeal.org.uk.