A TOY appeal is being held by Salford’s Wipe Your Tears charity to help support poorly children and their families through one of the hardest times of the year.
The group aims to collect food, toys and clothes from public donations, which can then be given to struggling parents, granting them the wish of being able to celebrate this Christmas.
Wendy Hutchins, 49, Chief Executive for Wipe Your Tears, said: “The Appeal is going really well, donations are coming in daily now, so we are so thankful for people digging deep at this time of year and taking the time to think about the families we are looking to help.”
The donations will be taken to Royal Manchester Hospital and numerous children’s hospices throughout the city.
“In the region we help around 200 families through the toy appeal, this can vary as you can imagine, plus we have families with serious or terminally ill children who we also support,” said Wendy.
“It is a happy time with an emotional connection as you see the difference you are making through the sad times families are suffering with.
“Making a child smile is one of the most rewarding things of being part of the team here.”
It is not only appeals that the group organise. Throughout the year, they have held many fundraising events from Soul and Motown evenings to afternoon tea. In the New Year they are hosting a Flower Dance; one of Wipe Your Tear’s biggest fundraisers of the year.
The money raised is used to make terminally ill children’s dreams come true. A story that stuck with Wendy is about a five year old boy called Michael who had a life limiting brain disorder. His final wish was to meet his hero Peter Andre.
“We arranged for Peter to come to the hospice where Michael was being cared for and meet all the kids, especially Michael and give him lots of presents and signed memorabilia.
Michael passed away in the coming weeks but he got to meet his hero as he asked”.
Along with donations, the charity have organisation who also help to make dreams like Michael’s come true.
Wendy said: “Angel Fundraising are one of our main supporters and have worked with Wipe Your Tears for three years now. They host street collections all over the country in aid of us and we are privileged to have the support from them”.
If you wish to donate you can take your new toy to their office on Bolton Road, Walkden until December 20.
Wendy said: “The best part though is when we see tears turned into smiles which for us truly replicates our motto ‘If You Wipe Your Tears, We Will Help You Smile.'”
Visit the charity’s Facebook page for more information.
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