EVERY year the task awaiting the team at North Wales Superkids seems impossible.

But the dedicated group of volunteers help save Christmas for thousands of children who would otherwise have had nothing.

Under the leadership of founder Margaret Williams MBE, the charity made sure youngsters in families facing hardship for any number of reasons, would have cause to smile over the festive season.

This year is different.

Margaret died in October, aged 74. Known to many as Mrs Christmas, she had been the heart and soul at North Wales Superkids for almost 25 years.

The charity however, remains a fitting legacy to her determination and compassion.

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Stepping in this year, aware of the very big shoes to fill, is Jade Storey, 33, who has been involved with Superkids for the last 12 years.

She said: "I don't think anybody is ever really going to be able to take on all the jobs Margaret did.

"It's only when doing it now, you realise the extent of the work she did. But we have a good team."

 

Shelves stocked ready to bag up at the North Wales Superkids grotto.

Shelves stocked ready to bag up at the North Wales Superkids grotto.

 

Red tape with the official side of things has been an unexpected hurdle but Jade and the team are adamant this year, as tough as it will be, will get completed.

They remain focussed on the mission at hand. Last year saw more than 2,570 sacks of toys and gifts made up for children from one-year-old up to 25. Those over 18 often being older siblings, vulnerable youngsters in the community or those who have left care.

Each referral comes from more than 100 different official sources, which include schools and social care organisations.

And every sack contains about 10 items, tailormade to a child's age and interests.

Keeping the Superkids 'grotto' stocked is relentless. The shelves are stacked by age, boy or girl, and type of toy or game. As impressive a sight as it is, those shelves empty quickly, as referrals continue right up to Christmas Eve.

This year, they have a shortage of items for teenagers. Jade lists things that would be ideal for the often tricky demographic: anything related to hair and makeup, slipper or toiletry sets, Bluetooth speakers, footballs and snuggle hoodies to name but a few.

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Jigsaws for younger children also remain a much-needed item for the Superkids 'elves' packing each sack.

It's overwhelming but Jade added: "North Wales Superkids is Margaret's legacy, and we are needed.

"Sadly there will always be a demand for what we do."

 

Shelves stocked ready to bag up at the North Wales Superkids grotto.

Shelves stocked ready to bag up at the North Wales Superkids grotto.

 

If you would like to support North Wales Superkids, the Leader is again taking collections for the toy appeal.

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

Items can be dropped off at our head office in Mold at Media Point, Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold CH7 1XY, on Mondays, Tuesday or Thursdays, between 8am-5pm.

Other collection points across Wrexham and Flintshire include:

• The Crescent Fish & Chip Shop - Flint

• The George and Dragon Flint

• The Top Monkey, Northop Hall

• Shaz's Shabby Chic - Buckley

• Reid & Roberts - Mold, Deeside, Holywell, Flint or Wrexham branch

• Mega Electrical NW Ltd - Rhydymwyn

• Specsavers Mold

• Tesco - Mold

• Wrexham AFC

• Mold Bookshop

• Cwtch Ceramics Cafe - Rossett

• White Bear Mancot

• Hays Travel Connah's Quay

• Morrisons Connah's Quay