News release
12 December 2022

Over 50 sacks of Christmas gifts to be delivered to disadvantaged kids in Halton as toy appeal comes to a close

Merseyflow’s Walk-In Centre in Manor Park has been transformed into a Santa’s Grotto with over 50 sacks of new, unopened toys and gifts donated thanks to generosity of customers and staff, as Halton Children’s Centres annual Christmas Toy Appeal closes.

The toys will be delivered to disadvantaged children in Halton this festive period as part of Halton Children’s Centres annual appeal, which supports hundreds of disadvantaged children from some of Halton’s most deprived areas by collecting toy and gift donations and distributing them to those in need.

This year, merseyflow and Merseylink kickstarted the appeal with a donation of brand-new toys worth £2,000 and given the extreme difficulties people are facing in these challenging times, both Merseyflow and Merseylink decided to double that donation, the total now being £4,000 with a further £250 of toys and gifts was donated by Merseylink’s financial advisor Avison Young.

This is the fourth year that merseyflow’s Walk-In Centre in Manor Park in Runcorn has been used as a drop-off point for the appeal and the response has been overwhelming.

Helen Williams, Marketing Manager at merseyflow, said: “The Halton Children’s Centres Christmas Toy Appeal is a cause that is particularly close to our hearts and we’re proud to support the fantastic work it does for families in Halton.

“We’d like to give special thanks to all of our staff and customers who have gone out of their way to help make this the most successful year yet and ensure every child in Halton has a gift to open on Christmas morning.”

Hugh O’Connor, General Manager of the Merseylink Consortium, said: “We’ve supported Halton Children Centres appeal for several years now and are happy we’re able to contribute again to this wonderful cause. Every child deserves a present at Christmas and we’re thankful to everyone who donated this year.”

Denise Caldwell, Early Help Officer at Runcorn Children’s Centres, said: “The response to our annual Christmas Toy Appeal this year has been phenomenal. We’d like to thank everyone who has gone above and beyond to donate, as well as merseyflow and Merseylink for their generous contribution and continued support. Every toy and gift donated will be given directly to kids in the local community here in Halton and can really make a big difference to each family this holiday.”