AN APPEAL to help underprivileged children has been hailed a success.
Figures released yesterday revealed that the Salvation Army's Light up a Child's Life appeal, at the Gateshead MetroCentre, brought in a record number of gifts and cash.
The campaign ran at the centre from November to Christmas Eve. Shoppers were asked to buy an extra gift to donate to the appeal.
The gifts were distributed to needy youngsters across the region. Cash donations were made at two wishing wells set up in the centre.
In total, 928 toys and £8,300 were collected, up on the previous year's total of 614 toys and £3,130.
Captain Michael Barker, of the Salvation Army, who co-ordinated the appeal, said: "We are delighted with the results of the Christmas appeal at the MetroCentre, especially as shoppers helped us to substantially exceed last year's gifts and donations.
"There was a really high standard of gifts donated, enabling us to make some children very happy."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article