'Every child should have a special Christmas'

The Angel Trust's Elliot Pole says the charity hopes to beat last year's total of 12,500 donated items

A toy appeal has once again been launched in an effort to help ensure every child in County Durham receives a Christmas gift.

The Angel Trust, based in Bishop Auckland, is calling for donations suitable for all age groups, from babies up to older teenagers.

It is the fifth year the appeal has been staged with more than 12,500 items given out in 2024.

The charity "does not want anyone to miss out," its head of marketing, Elliot Pole, said.

The items are given out to youngsters in hospital, in social care or directly to families living in poverty.

'Magical' smiles

A range of things have already been donated, such as craft sets and colouring books, but Mr Pole says the organisation is also on the lookout for make-up and skin-care gift sets that would be suitable for older children.

He told the BBC: "The toy appeal is one of the most important times of the charity's year.

"We believe everybody should have a special Christmas, especially the young people who are most vulnerable.

"We often find families have to make the choice between food and toys, and so seeing the smiles on kids' faces [when they receive a present] is magical."

Struggle 'one cheque away'

Gift ideas also include soft toys, bath toys and nursery rhyme CDs for newborns and toddlers, as well as action figures and dolls for children slightly older.

Games, sports equipment, books and clothes are other popular choices.

All donations can be dropped off at the trust's Emporium shop at Killerby House in the town.

As part of the appeal, people can also choose to buy a specific item a child has requested.

Mr Pole added: "We often find people are just one pay cheque away from going from quite a comfortable life to a very uncomfortable situation.

"We don't want that to happen and if we can help, we always will."

As well as the annual toy appeal, the charity runs a number of other services services including a foodbank and a hub providing support for rough sleepers.