BUSINESS people have dug deep to give an early boost to a Christmas toy appeal.

Bosses at Hattons Solicitors and Eccleston-based Café bocboc have joined forces with St Helens Council’s Children and Young People’s Service and Smyths Toys to help children and teenagers who might otherwise go without on Christmas Day.

Three weeks after it was launched in the Star – backed by Aussie rugby star Johnathan Thurston – the companies have taken delivery of a batch of presents.

Mike Denning of Hattons Solicitors said: “We all truly want to bring cheer to those less fortunate and hope this is a great kick-start to the appeal.”

Cllr Sue Murphy, Cabinet Member for Schools, said: “It’s a sad fact that at a time of celebration and joy for most families there are some children with little or nothing to look forward to at Christmas.

“This appeal can go some way to addressing those needs. I urge everybody to give it their support.”

Café bocboc will offer a free drink to those who drop off a donated toy for the Christmas gift appeal at the Café.

Café owner Clare Hockenhull said: “Hopefully we can all help to put a smile on the face of a child who thought there was nothing to look forward to.”

Gift suggestions for children aged up to three are rattles, books, mobiles, cuddly toys, teething toys; for three to 12-year-olds – toys, games, books, art sets, and for teenagers – toiletries, cosmetics and books. Donations should not be wrapped.

Donations can be handed in at Hattons Solicitors Reception, Prudential Buildings, 3 Victoria Square, St Helens, from Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm); at Café bocboc, 168 Kiln Lane, Eccleston, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday (9am to 5pm), Thursday and Friday (9am – 5.30pm) and Sunday (10am – 4pm) or at Smyth’s Toys, Ravenhead Retail Park, St Helens Linkway, Monday to Friday (9am to 11pm), Saturday (9am to 7pm) and Sunday (11am to 5pm). The deadline for donations is Tuesday, December 17.