The thought of any child waking on Christmas morning without a present to open - not seeing their face light up as they see that Santa has been - is simply heartbreaking.

Yet that is the stark reality facing thousands of families in Cumbria unless YOU can help.

Today, we’re delighted again to be launching the News & Star Christmas Toy Appeal in an effort to help as many of those families as possible.

We have once again joined forces with CFM’s Mission Christmas campaign to support the Cash For Kids charity.

Using its trusted network of contacts - built up using years of experience - we are able to make sure that presents get to families in need; families who, without our support, may endure the most miserable moments in what’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.

Year after year we ask for your support.

And time and again you do not disappoint, generously delivering some seasonal cheer.

We hope that, once again, you will add just one present to your shopping list and drop it off at one of our network of collection points.

It doesn’t have to be anything expensive or extravagant. Even the seemingly simplest of gestures - smellies for a teenager or a teddy bear for a baby - can make someone’s Christmas.

This is an appeal which makes a genuine difference to peoples’ lives, as those who gratefully receive gifts have told our network of contacts as they’re delivered.

Without your support, these youngsters really would have nothing.

The generosity you show means Cash For Kids can reach a wide network of people throughout north and west Cumbria and south west Scotland.

Last year, a staggering 7,888 children were given gifts.

The value of those presents was an eye-watering £512,000.

Each gift pack delivered to those youngsters - made up of donations given - averaged £65.

It’s a worrying fact of life that increasing numbers of people in some areas are finding themselves in need of help.

This is a time of year when even the most comfortable of families can feel the financial strain because of the peer pressure that can often be felt to be as generous as they can to those who they love the most.

Imagine the anguish they must feel if they know their children face going without.

Sara Oldham, who helps spearhead Cash For Kids at CFM for the past eight years and is well-known for her work, believes many are oblivious to the challenges faced by some.

“I don’t think some people appreciate that there are children out there who have nothing - absolutely nothing,” she says. “Some of no bed, no bed linen - no bedroom, even.

“It really is heartbreaking. I don’t think some people can believe that this is happening. They don’t believe that there are all of these people. But there are.”

Sara and her colleagues have seen the amazing impact that the appeal can have.

They are already working with the likes of schools and social workers to ensure gifts can get to those families who need them most.

“A lot of people are really thinking about Christmas now and we’re encouraging people who can afford it to buy an extra gift; buy an extra toy and be aware of the difference it can make.

“Once again we are issuing an SOS plea for gifts that can be given to babies and teenage boys, which are groups we can struggle with.

“If you’re not in a position where you’re able to buy a present, maybe you would be able to make a donation.

“When we get a chance to meet some of the families, you can see how much it means.

“Last year, I met one lady who cried. She was so happy because she was trying to make Christmas so special.”

With your help, we can ensure everyone enjoys the magic of the season.

Please don’t forget that just one small gift can mean the world to a child who would otherwise have nothing.

Where you can donate

CARLISLE AREA

nNews & Star, Newspaper House, Dalston Road

nGrahams News, Kingstown Road, Kingstown,

nJ. Balchin & Son, Central Avenue

nMorrisons, Kingstown Road

nNotmans Newsagents, Stonegarth, Morton

nStanwix Newsagents, Church Street, Stanwix

nBrampton Post Office, Front Street, Brampton

nJulie Vevers, Swan Street, Longtown

COCKERMOUTH AREA

nSainsburys, Station Road

WHITEHAVEN AREA

nTesco, North Shore Road

WORKINGTON AREA

nTesco, New Bridge Road, Workington

nMorrisons, Derwent Drive, Workington

Collections continue until December 14

Text a cash donation by sending CFM to 70808. Find out more at www.newsandstar.co.uk and www.cfmradio.co.uk/mission