Big-hearted Mancs are donating thousands of gifts to this Christmas appeal for kids

Tens of thousands of gifts are being donated by big-hearted Mancunians to ensure disadvantaged children in the city get the Christmas they deserve.

The organisers of Mission Christmas, the largest Christmas toy appeal in the UK, are hoping to beat the total of £2.9m worth of toys which were donated last year and distributed to more than 60,000 youngsters across Greater Manchester.

A disused warehouse on the Mayfield regeneration site close to Piccadilly Station will act as the campaign’s headquarters where businesses and members of the public can donate gifts.

Hundreds of volunteers are helping to organise and deliver the presents which can also be donated at drop-off points across the city region.

The campaign is run by Cash For Kids with the support of Key 103, B&M, Bathroom Takeaway and The Mayfield Partnership, comprising Manchester City Council, specialist regeneration company U+I, Transport for Greater Manchester and LCR.

The Bathroom Takeaway team have been working with U+I to arrange for an army of electricians and builders to prepare the warehouse on the 24-acre Mayfield site.

“There was absolutely no question about whether we would help out again this year,” said managing director Julian Smith. “Last year the team got behind the appeal 100% and we’ve rolled our sleeves up again to make this year’s Mission Christmas bigger and better than ever before.”

If you want to buy a gift for the appeal, please do so before December 17 and hand it in to one of the collection points on the Key 103 website. Or take it to the Mission HQ at Unit 5 Bond Street Industrial Estate, Mancunian Way, M12 6HW (access via Hoyle Street). You can also text ‘MISSION’ 70808 to donate £5 and the campaign will buy a gift on your behalf.