ONCE again the Telegraph & Argus Toys & Tins Appeal is launching to bring Christmas cheer to those for whom the festive period can be bleak.

It is the third year for our appeal and again the donations from readers and businesses will be presented to Bradford Women’s Aid.

The charity was established in 1985 and provides refuge and community support services to women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Sally Deane, the charity’s director said she was thrilled to be involved with the appeal again.

She said: “The donations from the T&A Toys and Tins Appeal are very important and mean so much to the women and children we support. These families have little or nothing and the donations over the Christmas period are vital as they bring much needed comfort at what would otherwise be a very bleak time.

“During the last year we have provided support to 533 women and children many of whom had become homeless as a result of domestic abuse.”

Staff working for the charity said the gifts really do make a difference at Christmas to the women and children.

Some of the responses when the gifts and food items were distributed to the clients showed how much the gesture is appreciated. One said: “I was really worried about Christmas for my children and I was so happy with the gifts, they were really nice, I could tell people had put thought into it.”

Another said: “The donations were really good quality. It made me realise how people are very generous and think of people like me and my children.”

The fact the gifts were unexpected brought equally poignant responses. One child said: “Is this for me? I can’t believe it’s mine.” Another family said: “Is it ALL for us?”

A staff member who helped distribute the gifts said: “All the families were thankful for the gifts and some became quite tearful on receiving them.

“Usually when I visited a family the youngest who was shy and reserved would hide behind her mum and watch me. However, on this occasion when I arrived and presented her with some gifts she literally beamed at me.”

Nigel Burton, editor of the T&A added: “Thanks to the generosity of our readers and local businesses Bradford Women’s Aid was able to ensure that all children in its charge received a gift last Christmas.

“We ask the public and local businesses again to help us spread some festive joy and ensure these vulnerable people, living in difficult circumstances, have a happy Christmas.”

Unwrapped gifts and non-perishable food with a long shelf life can be left at our reception in Hall Ings between 9.30am and 3pm Monday to Friday.

The last date for donations is Friday, December 14, so the charity can wrap the gifts in time for Christmas.