THERE is a week left to donate toys to an annual Christmas appeal that aims to put a smile on the faces of the town’s most needy youngsters.

Hattons Solictors, Eccleston florist and cafe bocboc, and Ravenhead Retail park-based Smyths Toys and Cultivate Create have teamed up with St Helens Council’s young people’s services for the collection.

People can drop off gift donations at bocboc cafe, Kiln Lane, Smyths Toys or at Hattons, on Victoria Square.

They will go to children who would not receive gifts.

The children’s service says gifts for boys aged two to three-years-old and for eight to 13-year-olds are often where they fall short.

The deadline for donations is Wednesday, December 17, and it is requested that all donations are not wrapped.

Councillor Sue Murphy, cabinet member for schools, said: “For many of our young people and their families these may be the only gifts they receive.”

“We have had quite a lot donated already and have held the appeal for the last few years,” said Laura Hesketh, from Hattons.

Gift Ideas include: Children aged 0-3 years old: rattles, books, mobiles, teething toys. Children aged 3-12 years old: toys, games, books, art/craft sets, any other age appropriate gifts Teenagers: toiletries (male and female), cosmetics, books etc All ages: pyjamas, scarfs, gloves and hats For health and safety reasons, the appeal cannot accept soft toys.

Further collection points can be found at: Atlas House, Corporation Street,; St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square, 5th Floor, Wesley House, Corporation Street; Central Library, Gamble Building; Central Link Children’s Centre; Parr Children’s Centre; Fourways Children’s Centre; Thatto Heath Children’s Centre, Brisbane Street; Sutton Children’s Centre, Ellamsbridge Road; Newton Children’s Centre, Patterson Street, For further details call Tracy Sexton at St Helens Council on 01744 676563.