By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 14:29, Wednesday, 05 December 2012

The generosity of residents and businesses across the county, has seen donations for the News & Star Toy Appeal continue to pour in.

Barbara Adams, who set up Acolyte Home and Gifts – a relatively new online shop – with her daughter Elyse, is the latest to show her support to the community.

She contacted the paper after reading about the Christmas appeal on social networking site Twitter.

The News & Star Christmas Toy Appeal, in conjunction with CFM’s Mission Christmas, wants to make sure Father Christmas visits every child in Cumbria.

Sick, needy or disadvantaged youngsters have been identified as potentially being faced with no gifts this year.

Members of the public, community groups and businesses are being asked to donate new, unwrapped presents for children up to the age of 18, to be distributed in time for Christmas.

Barbara, who lives in west Cumbria, said: “We’re very fortunate to work alongside some really talented artisans and designers – their love of what they do really shines through in their products.

“We’re delighted to contribute to the Christmas Toy Appeal. It is a brilliant idea and we hope that what we’ve donated can make some smiles happen this Christmas.”

While much of what Acolyte stocks is more suited for adults, Barbara has examined all her stock – past and present – and donated blackboard wall stickers and VW campervan DIY desk tidies, worth more than £100.

Staff at Cumbrian Newspapers are busy collecting donated gifts from drop-off points including fast food chains, supermarkets and news agents, ready for delivery to Santa’s central grotto in time for the big day.

The deadline for donations to the News & Star Toy Appeal is December 15.

A full list of drop-off points can be found on our Christmas Toy Appeal web page.

First published at 14:24, Wednesday, 05 December 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk