North Wales Superkids charity step up Toybox appeal

North Wales Superkids is a small, volunteer-run charity supporting disadvantaged children across the region for more than two decades.

Founder Margaret Williams died in October last year, aged 74. She had been the heart and soul at Superkids for almost 25 years.

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This year, the team of dedicated volunteers are continuing her work, making sure thousands of children don't wake to nothing on Christmas morning.

Sacks of toys, gifts and treats will be made up for children, from one-year-old up to 25. Those over 18 often being older siblings, vulnerable youngsters in the community or those who have left care.

Every family's situation is different, and each referral comes from more than 100 official sources, including schools and social care organisations.

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It's very much a team effort at Superkids but taking on a lot of the organising has been trustee Jade Storey.

The 34-year-old has been involved with the charity for about 13 years. She said: "I think anybody would agree that making a difference to the lives of others is the biggest motivation for dedicating your time to a charity.

"We are a very small but incredibly passionate team, and we love being able to introduce others to the charity and the support we offer.

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"Last year approximately 173 professionals working with children and families across North Wales, made referrals to us for Christmas gifts. Over 1,800 children each received a sack of new gifts to open on Christmas day."

Jade added: "In the run up to November, we would be incredibly grateful for any donations of selection boxes and tubs of chocolates for our care leavers.

"A common issue we come across is finding gifts suitable for teenagers, particularly boys.

"With technology and games consoles being so popular amongst this age group, this is not something we can replicate as a charity, but we always try to select gifts best suited to each recipient."

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Jade made an open invite for groups, businesses or organisations to reach out if they would like to know more or see that work for themselves.

Often they get involved by offering their time or services, such as decorating their collection/packing site or helping build ways to help organise the process.

Another of the Superkids 'elves' is Katie Piercy, 47, who has played a part in the charity for more than 16 years.

She said: "Seventeen years ago, I found myself in a situation where I needed the help of North Wales Superkids. I was so thankful to them that I decided to volunteer to help them to raise money with tombolas and various other events.

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"Sadly due to ill health, I have had to take a huge step back but as a trustee I will always be here to help raise awareness of our charity to help continue to bring smiles to children's faces across North Wales.

"Our volunteers put in more hours than Santa! The planning for the Toybox appeal begins in January, and is a year-long effort of raising awareness, fundraising, building relationships in the local community and of course never skipping the toy aisle in a supermarket just in case there is an unmissable offer."

As with every year, there will be locations across North Wales where people can drop off donations.

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Donations must be new and unwrapped. Examples include toys, games, crafts, dolls etc or for older youngsters, toiletries, picture frames, scented candles, cookbooks.

The Leader is again supporting the appeal, and items can be dropped off at our head office in Mold at Media Point, Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold CH7 1XY, on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, between 8am-5pm.

Drop-off locations will be ready from November 1, and some of those confirmed for this year's appeal include:

• Wrexham AFC

• Hays Travel - Connah's Quay

• The White Bear - Mancot

• Crescent Fish and Chip shop - Flint

• George & Dragon Pub - Flint

• Specsavers - Mold

• Tesco - Mold

• Shazs Shabby Chic - Buckley

• Bargain Booze - Buckley

• Reid & Roberts Estate agents - Wrexham/Deeside/Flint/Mold/Holywell

• The craft shed - Abakhan - Mostyn

For more information, visit: northwalessuperkids.org.uk