GENEROUS members of the public have been thanked for helping to make sure children across North Wales receive presents this Christmas.

This year the Leader once again teamed up with the charity North Wales Superkids to help with its annual festive toy appeal.

Gifts donated to the charity are bagged and redistributed to children across the region, whose families may be struggling and need a little extra support.

North Wales Superkids founder Margaret Williams MBE, from Flint, told the Leader: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us.

“From the feedback we’ve had about the bags going out, we have saved lives.

“There was one lady from an organisation who came to collect bags for a family - the mum didn’t know where to turn and was suicidal.

“These bags relieve some of the stress on these families who are faced with not having Christmas for their children.”

Mrs Williams said she expects the charity has already surpassed its figures from last year, when it sent presents to 1,616 youngsters.

“There are just so many families that are being referred to us in crisis,” she said.

Among the many volunteers who have played their part in realising the charity’s goals were cast and team members from Theatr Clwyd’s pantomime, who were thanked by Mrs Williams for turning out to help bag up presents on Thursday.

Jade Storey, North Wales Superkids trustee, said: “We have done very well this year and had a lot of support.

“Referrals are still coming in thick and fast, and there’s no evidence they are slowing down yet.

“We have had an awful lot of lovely donations coming which have been great but there are still areas that were lacking.

“We are looking for more boys 10+ gifts and I would say also boys and girls age one to three.

“I’d like to say thank you everyone that has supported us, we’ve had a brilliant response.”

In addition to the charity’s many drop of points for gifts, the Leader received lots of gifts from kind hearted readers, which will all be added to North Wales Superkids’ stock.

Susan Perry, group editor at the Leader, said: “A massive thank you once again to our generous readers for supporting this amazing appeal.

“The difference you have made to so many children’s lives is breathtaking. Thank you.”

n To find out more about North Wales Superkids and how you can help visit https://www.northwalessuperkids.co.uk/