A CHARITY is appealing for help with its Christmas Toy Appeal after taking it online.

Crewe-based Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) Cheshire East says more families and children than ever are seeking the support of local organisations this festive season as the pandemic takes its toll on household finances.

The appeal is run in aid of children supported by community groups who are facing challenging times over the festive season - some children who might literally otherwise go without at Christmas time.

Last year there were around 2,500 donations of toys, which were distributed to 20 local charities to pass on to local children.

A CVS Cheshire East spokesman said: "Our support base has been impacted and now that a second lockdown is in effect for what will be the duration of the appeal we need as much help as we can in raising awareness and generating donations to be able to meet demand

"We are anticipating a higher need for donations as more children and their families have come under the support and care of services run by local charities.

"Please pledge your support and help bring festive cheer to a lot more children that might otherwise go without this Christmas."

You can make a pledge to support the toy appeal here.

Then you have the choice to

• donate through the Amazon Wishlist
• make a cash donation through JustGiving
• share the Amazon Wishlist and JustGiving page with friends
• encourage people to support CVS through AmazonSmile
• raise awareness of the appeal through social media at #ThisWaySanta