When North Wales Superkids started almost 23 years ago, it received referrals from 19 agencies across the region. Today it's 136.

Last Christmas that amounted to 2,250 referrals. That's 2,250 children and young people who would have otherwise had nothing.

On the day I visited the charity's toy appeal warehouse, its shelves are full.

Row after row of toys and games gifted or bought with from donated funds, arranged in age and category.

It's an impressive sight but the reality is, it won't last long.

With an average of 10 presents per bag, including a selection box, the shelves empty fast.

"It's only a tiny bit of what we're going to need," says founder and trustee Margaret Williams MBE.

As we chat, a pair of elves (two of about 70 volunteers) set about day one of bagging up. A week later 50 bags have already gone out.

And it's this process that really reminds you what matters here - people.

Each bag starts with a referral form - it has the name and age of its recipient, and some details about them that allow the items to be most suited.

Margaret picks one out: "We know this is a boy, 13-years-old. He loves anything to do with arts and crafts, painting, drawing, chess.

"Intellectual games, jigsaws, puzzles. Science fiction, magic, football."

All of a sudden this isn't a piece of paper any more, it's a child. He's the same age as my son.

The form goes on to explain some of the reasons he's been referred. It's humbling and a reminder that any one of us could find ourselves in need.

As Margaret says, "we're all just one missed wage away from life being turned upside down".

Has there ever been a point where they haven't been able to complete a referral?

"Touch wood it hasn't happened yet," said Margaret. "Christmas 2019 we had about 60 emergencies on top of the referrals already in.

"We were still bagging on Christmas Eve. But we've never been in the position of missing one."

Last year, along with so many charities and good causes, they felt the effects of the pandemic.

It had hit every aspect of what they do, from fundraising to collecting toys, and all projects on hold.

Margaret said: "This time last year we sat here [in the warehouse] with virtually nothing on the shelves.

"But Christmas is so important we can't not do it.

"Even if the child or young person only has a tin of sweets, some smellies, a selection box and a book or a cuddly toy, they'll have something rather than nothing.

"And for a lot of these families, it would be nothing."

Then like receiving a Christmas miracle of their own, the charity was contacted by Wrexham AFC.

The club had seen the Leader's article on the toy appeal, and came on board with huge support. They plan to continue that connection again this year.

Still on the subject of the pandemic, we talk about the perspective it has given so many people, the empathy.

But the charity still face battles over misconceptions.

Margaret explains: "People have the wrong impression about the families that need our help.

"They think it's all drug addicts, beer-swilling, gambling money wasters. And it's not that at all.

"We don't do means testing, so there's no limit to have our help.

"We go specifically on circumstances, whether or not they're going to be able to afford a Christmas."

Margaret goes on to talk about the situations people have found themselves in, from partners walking out, death in the family and job losses, with many of those people left not knowing what to do or where to turn.

This is where the agencies North Wales Superkids works with come in.

Marie Stewart, from Flying Start in Connah's Quay, said: "If it wasn't for this charity, lots of the families I deal with wouldn't have Christmas.

"I've been a health visitor for 22 years and I've never seen people living in such poverty and deprivation in all my life.

"Every day I get phone calls from people who can't afford to heat their house or feed their children. The last few months has been absolutely dire."

A stark reminder of why this project is so important.

The charity supports youngsters from aged one year up to 25. Those over 18 often being older siblings, vulnerable youngsters in the community or those who have left care.

It may be just one day for most of us but that bag of gifts for those who face the bleakest of Christmases, means the world.

It's the difference between a child feeling loved, the same as other children or feeling alone and unwanted. Priceless.

• The Leader is again taking collections for North Wales Superkids' toy appeal.

Donations must be new and unwrapped. Examples include toys, games, crafts, dolls etc or for older youngsters, smellies, picture frames, scented candles, cookbooks.

Items can be left at out head office in Mold at Media Point, Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold CH7 1XY, from Monday to Thursday.

Other confirmed drop-off points, with more expected, are:

The George & Dragon, in Flint

Reid & Roberts Estate Agents, in Mold, Flint, Wrexham, Holywell and Deeside