Father Christmas helps to launch our festive toy appeal for Oldham kids

Date published: 23 November 2021

Father Christmas has helped to launch our Christmas Toy Appeal for 2021, with an opportunity for you to become one of Santa's Secret Helpers.

Father Christmas and his festive friends made their way through Spindles Town Square on Saturday, spreading some Christmas magic as he made his way past the shops on his way to his grotto.

He took the time to speak to some of the children who were excitedly awaiting his arrival, as well as giving the thumbs up to our "Santa's Secret Helpers" appeal.

Christmas will be a very difficult time this year for many families in Oldham, particularly for those living in poverty.

This year, the Oldham Evening Chronicle has teamed up with Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisors, Action Together and Albion House Wealth Management to sprinkle some Christmas magic into the lives of families who really feel the financial strain at Christmastime.

We aim to collect hundreds of presents donated by generous Oldhamers, and ensure they are under the tree on Christmas morning in households who struggle during the festive season.

To take part, we're asking you to pop down to the Christmas tree in Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre and take a tag.

On the tag will be written the age of a child who needs a gift this Christmas.  Simply buy a small gift - whatever you can afford - and place the gift to one of the magic boxes around the centre.

With the help of our friends at Action Together, we'll ensure your gift finds its way to Santa's sleigh and to the right child in need this Christmas.

Our mission is to ensure that the 38% of Oldham children living in poverty will receive a gift this Christmas, and we can only succeed with your generous help.

We're extremely aware that over Christmas, there are many deserving charities who need your help.  Santa's Secret Helpers is based here in Oldham, relies on the generosity of Oldhamers, and distributes presents only to children who need our help in Oldham.  It's a truly local appeal and benefits our local community.

We're collecting gifts for children from new-born up to the age of 18.  Babies and teenagers are often the most in-demand.

Gift ideas

Children aged 0 - 3 years old
Bath toys, building blocks, playmats, teethers

Children aged 4 - 12 years old
Activity toys, board games, dressing up outfits, puzzles, lego, books, slime kits, craft kits, fidget toys, toy cars or trucks, friendship bracelet sets, LED finger gloves, make-up sets, backpack,

Teenagers
Art supplies, card games, gift vouchers, sports equipment, games controllers, bluetooth speaker, robot kits, LED bike lights, hover balls, gaming socks, celebrity books, mobile phone case, walkie talkies, tie-dye kits, water bottles, stress balls, App Store/iTunes vouchers

All ages
Books, gloves, hats, pyjamas, scarves, slippers, socks, ear-warmers, dressing gowns, gift vouchers

Once you’ve left your donated gift at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, our teams of magic elves, sleigh drivers, and community elves will collect your toy and head into the community to ensure they’re under the right Christmas tree on Christmas morning.

We’ll keep you updated and let you know how your generosity has changed lives for children living in poverty in Oldham.

Thanks to our friends at Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisors, Albion House Wealth Management and the incredible volunteers at Action Together.

And thank you to our wonderful Oldham Chronicle readers who this year, become one of Santa’s Secret Helpers. The magic starts with you.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.