Giving Tree Appeal

Many of you will know that every year we support the Giving Tree Appeal organised by the Instant Neighbour charity . This is a scheme to collect and distribute Christmas presents to children in this area who would otherwise go without .

We are all aware that times are hard just now , and this time of year is busy and very expensive for all. But please join in this appeal . Every year I attempt to tug at your heart strings to encourage you to donate a gift and each year we are all bowled over by your generous response .

So ......as you once again cant believe that its only 6 weeks to go , as you write out hundreds of cards, battle through the ever  increasing crowds trying to find the perfect gifts for all your family , stand in very long queues in the post office because you missed the last posting dates overseas, start panicking as you realise its increasingly unlikely you'll get a babysitter the weekend before Xmas  , and begin to stock up on weird and wonderful foods that you wouldn't buy at any other time of year and that nobody will eat . As you wonder where everyone will sit for the big Xmas lunch and if the giant turkey will fit into your oven, as you struggle to wrap presents after midnight when the children are asleep , your sticky tape keeps splitting and you cant find  the gift tags.......and on and on it goes .

But  of course all that stress will be worth it  , as you tuck the children into bed on Christmas Eve , their eyes sparking with visions of Santa making his way to them and  when you see the look of wonder and joy on their  faces on Christmas morning once he has been  , safe and happy , surrounded by a loving family .

Please spare a thought during those times for children in this area who are much less fortunate than your own , and for whom Santa will not come .

In each department  there are gift tags with a child's name and age . Please take one , wrap an appropriate gift , attach the tag and return it to us by FRIDAY 29th November , as Santa's helpers will be collecting them on Monday 2nd December .

This really is what Christmas is all about - taking a little time and effort to help bring  joy to a child who sorely needs it