Superkids charity toy appeal helping families this Christmas

While some families are already struggling with the basics, they will now face the added pressure of the festive season.

For any parent, the thought of their child waking up to no presents on Christmas morning is devastating.

This is where North Wales Superkids can make the difference.

North Wales Superkids volunteers and trustees: Cllr Gillian Brockley, Trish Flynn, Donna Owens, Jackie Storey and daughter Jade Storey.

The charity has several children and family related projects but by far their biggest is the annual toy appeal.

Every year the team, led by founder and trustee Margaret Williams MBE, at their warehouse 'grotto', put together sacks of gifts for children who would otherwise have nothing.

The charity supports youngsters from aged one year up to 25. Those over 18 often being older siblings, vulnerable youngsters in the community or those who have left care.

At their recent awareness coffee morning, the reality kicked in.

Seeing row after row of shelves at the grotto, well stocked with all manner of toys and crafts, is deceptive.

All these items, some gifted by members of the public and businesses, others bought with donated funds, will go fast.

Craft items for younger children at North Wales Superkids' grotto.

In 2014 Superkids filled 1,380 bags (each with about 10 items tailormade to a child's age and interests). These families were referred to the charity by 19 agencies or teams.

Last year, referrals came from 160 different official sources, which include schools and social care organisations, resulting in 2,577 bags filled.

Each bag represents a child or young person that would otherwise have nothing.

Representing a referral agency at the coffee morning was Bethan Williams, a locality manager for Home-Start Cymru, which supports parents with young children who are going through a difficult time, covering Denbighshire, Anglesey and Gwynedd.

She said: "This means everything to the families we work with.

"Even before covid and the cost of living crisis there were families already struggling.

"They say they know Christmas is a happy time but also very stressful. They're aware their children are not going to get the things like other children. Going back to school in January knowing Santa didn't go to every household.

"We're already seeing the impact, families are already struggling with the cost of heating and food, so Christmas is a big worry but Superkids can help create some relief for them.

"Our families are already asking about foodbanks, having conversations about indoor coats and outdoor coats rather than putting the heating on.

"People really are choosing between heating and eating. People that never thought that would be them but here we are."

Also attending the event was Sian Rowlands, a support worker with Hafan Cymru, based in Wrexham, which works with families fleeing domestic abuse across North Wales.

Mayor of Flint Michelle Perfect and Flintshire County Council chair, Mared Eastwood.

She said: "Last year Margaret must have helped about 26 of our families, and some very sick children.

"When I left the grotto I felt like Santa. Myself and members of the team came back several times to collect the presents.

"One lady we helped, her situation had got so much worse. She had nothing, left literally everything, three days before Christmas.

"With four children and heavily pregnant, she walked away from her life.

"We asked Margaret if she could help us out, and within a day we were collecting bags for all four children, and a little something for mum too.

"Our families don't just expect it either, and they are so very grateful."

Keeping order inside North Wales Superkids' grotto.

Every year it gets more difficult, with Sian adding: "We see the impact of the cost of living crisis daily. You can only help so many people. Just how do you decide who needs it more?"

If you would like to support North Wales Superkids, the Free Press is taking collections for the toy appeal.

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

Items can be dropped off at our head office in Mold at Media Point, Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold CH7 1XY, on Mondays, Tuesday or Thursdays, between 8am-5pm.