BRADFORD-based Morrisons supermarket has again stepped up and generously donated to the T&A’s annual Toys & Tins Appeal.

The appeal ensures children whose mums are fleeing domestic violence, will have a gift to open on Christmas morning and food in the cupboard.

As well as donating presents and selection boxes, the store in Mayo Avenue has given an additional £100 which has been used to buy toiletry items. Staff have also set up a collection point for customers to leave their own donations.

Staff at Morrisons, at Thornbury have donated £20 in vouchers to be used towards the appeal and the store at Lane Ends has organised a collection point for customers to drop off items.

Carmel Greene, who works from the Mayo Avenue store, said she was ‘chuffed’ to help the appeal.

“It is so good to be able to help a charity which is local and looks after vulnerable children and their parents.

“Morrisons is always pleased to help support local causes like this. They give me £100 each December to donate to a charity and am glad I can use it for the Toys & Tins Appeal. The charity was asked what they needed and they said toiletries and things so that it what it has gone to buy. We’re really chuffed we’ve been able to help.”

This year is the fourth annual Toys & Tins Appeal and the T&A has teamed up with Bradford Survive & Thrive which looks after vulnerable mums and children.

Often these victims have had to leave a dangerous situation quickly and have little or no possessions or food. For the mums it is often impossible for them to buy presents and essential items.

Bradford Survive & Thrive is a consortium which launched earlier in October and is part of Staying Put, a Yorkshire-based charity which incorporates domestic violence services along with charities Family Action and Women Centre.

It creates a one-stop shop for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.

In previous years readers have also donated toiletries and other essentials for the mums.

Yasmin Khan CEO of Staying Put said: “We’re very grateful that the T&A is supporting our survivors this Christmas, and we’d like to thank all those who generously donate to the Toys & Tins Appeal.

“The families we support often have little or nothing of their own and Christmas can be a very bleak time.

“Many families become homeless and destitute and struggle financially so these donations are hugely appreciated.”

Nigel Burton, editor of the T&A added: “Last year we were able to ensure that all the children being looked after in the women’s refuge received a gift last Christmas and we ask the public and businesses to again help us spread some festive joy and ensure these vulnerable people, living in difficult circumstances, have a happy Christmas.”

The last date for donations is Friday, December 13, so the charity can wrap the gifts in time to be delivered for Christmas.

Unwrapped gifts and non-perishable food can also be dropped off at the T&A reception, in Hall Ings, between 9.30am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.