By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 11:25, Monday, 26 November 2012

The latest supporters of our Christmas Toy Appeal are proving their commitment to the community to the very end.

From left, Linda Graham, Siobham Pape, manager David Brown, Michael Gray and Rachael Fraser

Bosses at Burger King, in St Nicholas Gate, in London Road, Carlisle, contacted the News & Star to ask if they too could become a drop-off point for our appeal.

Despite his restaurant being earmarked for closure, manager David Brown, explained: “We have taken part in similar things before and they have been really successful – we’ve had some really big toys donated.

“When we saw the News & Star was doing this, we wanted to be part of it.”

As recession-hit families across the county struggle to cope, there are children across Cumbria who could face a bleak Christmas.

The News & Star Christmas Toy Appeal, run in conjunction with CFM’s Mission Christmas, aims to ensure no child is without a gift to unwrap, and is calling on the public to help Santa provide up to three presents for youngsters.

Burger King will be knocked down in the new year, to provide extra parking ahead of a new supermarket being built, but that has not stopped staff wanting to help others.

Mr Brown said: “There is not long left, but right now we are still here and we want to help out and be part of the community as long as we can.”

Anyone can donate a gift – just add an extra new and unwrapped present to your shopping list for a child up to the age of 18.

The toys will then be distributed via children’s charities and the county’s children’s services to those most in need.

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

First published at 11:04, Monday, 26 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk