For Christmas 2017, Edward Mellor has chosen the Wood Street Mission Christmas Appeal.

Ideally, we are asking for donations of a new toy, gift, book, toiletries or new clothes suitable for a children and young people up to 18 years old. Suggested value £10. No high value items please and do remember older children and we struggle to secure enough donations for this age group. Please do not wrap any presents as we will have to remove any wrapping paper before distributing your kind gifts. If you wish you can donate a sheet or roll of wrapping paper which we can distribute to families to help them with the costs of these.

Wood Street are also asking for donations of non-perishable food suitable for families. We are looking for donations of tinned fish, meat, beans, fruit, vegetables, soup, pasta sauce, pasta, rice, long life juice or milk, biscuits, confectionery. All food should have an expiry date of no earlier than January 2018.

These can all be dropped off at any of our branches (Denton, Droylsden, Edgeley, Gorton, Hazel Grove, Levenshulme, Marple, Stalybridge, Withington, Woodley or Stockport Town Centre).

Alternatively, if you are able to make a donation either via Just Giving page or collection pots in our branches that would be much appreciated.

What do Wood Street Mission provide?

At Christmas we provide children up to the age of 14 with new toys and gifts. The presents are new as we want the child to feel no different from any other children opening their gifts on Christmas morning.

This year we will also have everyday food items as well as luxury food items and treats available in our community shop here at Wood Street, for families to pick from and help them enjoy the Christmas holidays. The extended school holidays during this time of year really can be a stressful time for many parents who may struggle with the extra costs of providing meals for their children, when they might normally receive free school meals during the week.

We rely on support from the local community who organise collections or simply add an extra item to their own shopping trolley in the run up to Christmas. Local companies and manufacturers also make donations of presents and food, and raise funds to help us meet the ever increasing numbers referred to us each Christmas for help.

Last year we gave new toys and food to over 2,000 families and 4,500 children. This year we expect the numbers referred to us to be even higher. Help us ensure all local kids can join in the fun and festivities.