An amazing response to the Telegraph & Argus Children’s Secret Santa Appeal means hundreds of youngsters will be wake tomorrow to a merrier Christmas.

Donations by generous readers and businesses have topped £10,000 – with all touched by the stark fact that the district has 37,000 children living in poverty.

Support for the appeal ranged from pennies dropped into collection tins, cheques from £5 to £250, to major gifts such as £1,000 from the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith’s Sprinkle Sunshine Appeal, and £6,000 from Shabir Hussain, of the Akbar’s restaurant chain.

Hundreds of gifts have been bought with the money by volunteers at Bradford-based Human Relief Foundation (HRF) which helped co-ordinate the Yuletide appeal and deliver the presents.

Although the appeal has only been able to scratch the surface of reaching children in need this Christmas, it has done much to highlight the issue of poverty, said HRF president Dr Nabeel Al-Rammadhani “When we launched this appeal and announced that there were 37,000 children living below the poverty line in Bradford, people could not believe it was true.

“But it is. Here, in our city, there are mothers going without meals to feed their children. There are families relying on food banks to survive. There are children who will go without presents on Christmas morning.

“Through the Secret Santa Appeal we approached you – our friendly Bradford community and we got a fantastic response.

“Together we have helped bring joy to some of the most vulnerable children living in Bradford. Without your fundraising events, your donations and your kindness, we could not have helped any of these children.

“The success of this campaign was completely dependent on you, and you did not let us down – because of you a child is smiling at this time.”

Some of the gifts have gone to Barnardo’s Young Carers Service and to children whose families are fleeing domestic violence as well as to youngsters at The Children’s Society’s Gateway Children’s Centre in Ravenscliffe.

Social workers at Bradford Council’s Children’s Specialist Services also asked for the appeal’s help because they are having to work with even more families in the district in need this year, stretching its resources.

Meals have been raffled, cupcakes baked, tins rattled at a vintage fair in Saltaire and performance artist Heidi Bang Tidy put on a burlesque show at the New Playhouse in Little Germany – staff at Ilkley-based Approach PR also raised £250 with their Christmas antics – almost £700 was raised from donations dropped in at the T&A’s head office in Hall Ings.

T&A Editor Perry Austin-Clarke also praised the overwhelming generosity shown by all who have supported the appeal.

“It is shocking that so many children in the district will go without this Christmas and I would like thank everyone who has helped to bring just a little joy into the lives of some of the poorest youngsters.

“Once again people across the district have demonstrated their fantastic generosity and kindness of spirit by supporting the appeal, particularly at a time when many more families are having to tighten their purse strings.”

Peter Rutherford, manager of Barnardo’s Bradford Young Carers service, said he had been “bowled over” by the generosity of people across Bradford in supporting the appeal.

“All the gifts that we receive will be given to our young carers – that’s children as young as five years old who are caring for a sick or disabled relative. What young carers do and what they cope with on a daily basis is tremendous and we’re really proud of them.

“This gift lets them know that others are impressed and care enough to spare them a thought at Christmas. Your readers’ kindness will certainly bring a smile to the faces of the children and young people that we work with on Christmas morning.” he said.

There were bright smiles galore at The Children’s Society’s Gateway Centre in Ravenscliffe, Bradford, when piles of parcels bought by the T&A Children’s Secret Santa Appeal were delivered by volunteers.

Single dad Andy Waugh, of Eccleshill, said help he has received from the appeal and the centre this Christmas has helped him stay clear of taking out an expensive loan he can hardly afford.

The 33-year-old, whose son Jack is three, said: “If it wasn’t for this I would have to get a loan from somewhere so we could have a Christmas, but then it’s expensive to pay back and things would be even tighter for us. Between the T&A appeal, Gateway and my family I’m getting help to make sure Jack doesn’t miss out.”

Mother-of-three Lara Barras, 22, said this time of year would be “one big stress” buying presents if it was not for the appeal, she said: “It makes me sad when the children write to Santa and I know I can’t afford what they’re asking for – getting presents from the Secret Santa Appeal has helped take the pressure off.”

Gladys Momoh’s two-year-old daughter Godtreasure Osazenayeask was one of the other children at the centre who got a present. Miss Momoh, 40, said: “It’s lovely to see her so excited. She’s loving Christmas this year.”

Claire Bull, 31, of Ravenscliffe, whose daughter Jessica is three, said: “It’s worrying trying to work out what you can afford, especially when you need extra for heating – it’s not easy. This is the first time I’ve needed help and it will make such a massive difference.”

Julie Blundell, programme manager at the centre, said: "I am delighted that The Telegraph & Argus has been collecting for our families who use the centre.

“At this time of year many families struggle to make ends meet and simply don't have the extra money to buy presents for their children. Children and their parents will be delighted to receive these gifts. We would like to send out a big thank to everyone who supported this appeal.”