News release
12 December 2023

Huge success for local toy appeal helping disadvantaged kids in Halton this Christmas

Merseyflow’s Walk-In Centre in Manor Park has been transformed into a Santa’s Grotto with over 60 sacks of new, unopened toys and gifts donated thanks to the generosity of customers and staff, as Halton Children’s Centres annual Christmas Toy Appeal closes.

The toys will be delivered to disadvantaged children in Halton this festive period as part of Halton Children’s Centres annual appeal, which supports hundreds of disadvantaged children from some of Halton’s most deprived areas by collecting toy and gift donations and distributing them to those in need.

This year, merseyflow and Merseylink kickstarted the appeal with a donation of brand-new toys worth £4,000.

This is the fifth year that merseyflow’s Walk-In Centre in Manor Park in Runcorn has been used as a drop-off point for the appeal and the response has been fantastic.

Helen Williams, Marketing Manager at merseyflow, said: “We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of our staff and customers, and this year’s toy appeal is no exception. People really have gone above and beyond to make sure every child in Halton has a gift to open on Christmas morning.

“The Halton Children’s Centres Christmas Toy Appeal is a cause that is particularly close to our hearts and we’re proud to support the fantastic work it does for families in Halton for a fifth year.”

Hugh O’Connor, General Manager of the Merseylink Consortium, said: “We’ve supported Halton Children’s Centres appeal for several years now and are delighted we’re able to contribute again to this wonderful cause. Thank you to everyone who donated, the response this year really has shown what a supportive and kind-hearted community we have here in Halton.”

Denise Caldwell, Early Help Officer at Runcorn Children’s Centres, said: “Each year the response to our Christmas Toy Appeal continues to amaze us, but I think this is our most successful one yet. We’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time and effort to donate, as well as merseyflow and Merseylink for their generous contribution and continued support. Every toy and gift donated will be given directly to kids in the local community here in Halton and can really make a big difference to each family this holiday.”