The Santa’s Little Helper campaign is appealing for donations of Christmas gifts to give to children. The campaign – which is sponsored by Manx Telecom and promoted by 3FM – aims to make sure that children on the Island who are less fortunate than most will receive a present to make them smile. The Children’s Centre co-ordinates the distribution of presents to youngsters who need them the most. Susie Cox, the charity’s Fundraising Co-ordinator, said:
“Everyone knows how expensive Christmas can be, and for some families on the Island this time of year is a real struggle. With the kind help of 3FM and Manx Telecom, and the very generous donations from the lovely people of this Island, The Children’s Centre distributes gifts to children and young people across our community. There are hundreds of children and young people who benefit from this initiative every year. We work with lots of charities to help distribute these gifts to as many families as we can. We help families currently being helped by The Children’s Centre and families being supported by charities such as Manx Mencap and Women’s Refuge – we endeavour to reach as many children and young people as possible.”
Organisers are appealing for donations of a wide range of gifts to suit children from very young babies to young adults. Susie added this advice: “Vouchers for cosmetics, music, and clothing are perfect for teenagers as it allows them to choose something they love – and make-up and fragrances are always a hit with the girls! Don’t rule anything out, just treat the gift item as if buying for a loved one. All we ask is that the presents are new and unused.”
Ron Berry, Managing Director of 3FM, commented:
“The 3FM Santa’s Little Helper campaign is now in its sixth year, and it has been our delight every year to be involved. We are constantly amazed at the generosity of our 3FM listeners and we are happy to support this campaign for as long as we are able. It is very important to us to play our part in spreading a little joy and happiness to the children of the Island who otherwise may not be able to feel the Christmas spirit enjoyed by many.”
Manx Telecom’s Marketing Communications Manager Voirrey Barron said:
“Santa’s Little Helper is a fantastic initiative and we’re delighted to play our part and be involved again this year. We’d firstly like to thank everyone who has already taken the time to pop a toy or gift into the large box in the Manx Telecom store as these gifts will really make a difference to a child’s Christmas. We are, however, still wanting to appeal to our wonderful customers around the Island to ask them to consider purchasing one extra gift when out Christmas shopping over the coming weeks and bring it in to the store.”
Donation boxes are situated at Manx Telecom’s shop in Strand Street, Douglas, and 3FM’s offices in Victoria Street. You can also drop your gifts into The Children’s Centre on Woodbourne Road in Douglas. If you’d like to collect gifts in the area where you live or at your workplace – or you know a family that you think could benefit from Santa’s Little Helper – please call Susie Cox to arrange collection of the donations on 676076.
