Rugby players show 'spirit of togetherness' with toy appeal donation

Members of Pilkington Recs under 10s called at St Helens Town Hall with a delegation of their coaches and parents to drop off sack loads of gifts to bolster the appeal.

They were greeted by the Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Lynn Clarke; the council leader David Baines and St Helens North MP Conor McGinn.

The age group has more than 30 players and Lee Simmons, who is part of the side's coaching group, said it was important for the players to learn qualities that go beyond the field of play.

Lee said: "We want these lads and girls to learn values such as kindness and selflessness as they grow up playing for the club and we feel backing the toy appeal is one step towards teaching that.

"We put a call out a few weeks ago for support - and I must say the backing from parents and players was tremendous.

"It really shows the spirit of St Helens togetherness - we're proud of them and hope the gifts can make it a happy Christmas for youngsters in our town."

The mayor welcomed Pilks Recs under 10s (Image: Bernard Platt)

The donation - which took place beside the Victoria Square Christmas tree - coincided with an event at the Town Hall which concluded St Helens' year as the region's Borough of Culture.

Cllr Baines, who welcomed the players into the town hall, offered warm praise for the generosity on show from the young red, amber and blacks.

He said: “The maturity and selflessness shown by Pilks Recs Under 10s to collect toys for our gift appeal so that children and young people less fortunate than themselves can enjoy Christmas is phenomenal and yet another inspiring example of what local grassroots sports clubs do for our communities.

“On behalf of St Helens Borough Council, thank you for your generous contribution and I would encourage, residents, businesses and organisations to support our appeal, if in a position to do so, because any donation - no matter how big or small - can certainly go a long way in making someone's Christmas a happy one."

The toy appeal aims to make Christmas 2023 special for some of the borough's most disadvantaged children and young people.

Since 2010, St Helens Borough Council has run a gift appeal for children aged from birth to 21 years at risk of waking up on Christmas Day without a present.

During that time, tens of thousands of items have been donated, with last year's appeal alone resulting in gifts being shared out between more than 700 children and young people - including care leavers.

The response to previous appeals has been phenomenal and the results have spoken for themselves.

Last year, more than £6,500 was raised, plus gifts and other items donated from businesses, schools and residents across the St Helens borough.

A council spokesperson said: "We know times are hard for many individuals, families, and businesses right now, but I would urge those in a position to do so, to make a contribution - no matter how big or small - as it can certainly go a long way in making someone's Christmas a happy one and supports our key priority as a council of ensuring all children have a positive start in life.

"As part of our appeal, we are asking if local business and organisations would be able to, not only support the appeal with a donation, but also offer to be a drop off point where donations for the appeal could be left. There are four ways your business can help us this Christmas:

"Make a cash donation online - any donations will be put towards purchasing gifts for children and young people

"Donating gifts directly - these can be toys, clothing, confectionary, gifts cards etc

"Have your workplace donate to the gift appeal rather than take part in Secret Santa

"Become a drop off point for donations from the public

"Items we are looking for in particular include new toys, books and clothing; gift vouchers, confectionery, toiletry gift sets and cash donations will also be most welcome. In previous years we have experienced a growing demand for gifts for babies and teenagers so we ask if consideration could be given to these ages too. 

"We are unable to take cash donations at the drop-off points, but we would welcome cash donations online.

"Make a cash donation online."

The deadline for donations is Thursday, December 14.

For more information, including a full list of drop-off points and how to make a cash donation, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/christmasgiftappeal