CHILDREN across the North-East will be preparing Christmas wish lists for Santa Claus in the coming weeks – however, for hundreds of youngsters, December 25 is just another day.

Around 600 Darlington children are expected to be in need of donations to give them the gift of Christmas this year, as poverty-stricken parents struggle to spare finances for festivities.

Organisers behind the Salvation Army’s annual toy appeal made the worrying prediction that more youngsters than ever may face a joyless Christmas Day without the generosity of strangers.

Major Colin Bradshaw and the Darlington Citadel team were able to give gifts to 550 children in the town during last year’s campaign – a record-high since the appeal’s launch in 2011.

Major Bradshaw said: “For over 600 Darlington children, Christmas has no colour. Christmas is what happens in the movies, on Christmas cards or in shop windows – never at home.

“Last year I remember buying over £1,000 worth of CDs and digital watches and over £500 worth of baby toys, along with many other vital items, to make Christmas special.

“I was able to do this because of the amount of money that had been donated.

“Amongst growing unemployment, rising costs of living and uncertainty, there are children. Our goal is to make sure every Darlington child has a Christmas Day.”

Several toy donation points have already been set up in Darlington.

Julie Robinson, Virgin Money Darlington store manager, said: “We are collecting Christmas items on behalf of an extremely good cause, the Salvation Army Toy Appeal.

“They play such an important part in our local community and do a lot to help those in need.”

A Viva Variety show will also be held in aid of the appeal on Saturday, November 26, at 2.30pm and 7pm, in the Majestic Theatre.

Tickets are £10 and available by calling 01325-463543.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the appeal is asked to donate new, un-used, gifts or cheques payable to The Salvation Army.

  • Toys can be donated at The Northern Echo’s Priestgate offices, The Salvation Army’s headquarters, Thompson Street East, the Footprints Christian bookshop, Skinnergate, or the Virgin Money store, High Row.