More than 250 toys have been donated by generous shoppers to Highcross’ ‘Give a Child a Gift’ Christmas charity campaign, which has been collecting new and unused toys for Rainbows Hospice for Children & Young People, Barnado’s and NSPCC Leicestershire.

Standing with the Gift Box (l-r) Jennifer Leach – Rainbows. ,Tracey Carton – NSPCC, Highcross general manager Jo Tallack, Julia hicks – NSPCC and Nikki Thompson – Barnado’s

Gifts of all shapes and sizes were donated to the gift box by generous shoppers and retailers in the run up to Christmas and included a range of favourite toys such as dolls, games and puzzles.

The Give a Child a Gift box encouraged those visiting the centre to buy an extra gift for life-limited and vulnerable children over the festive period and drop it into the charity gift box, which was located next to the customer service desk since November.

Gurvinder Rupra, marketing manager at Highcross, said:

“The gifts donated will make a difference to life-limited and vulnerable children across Leicestershire this Christmas. We’re so grateful to all of our generous shoppers, retailers and businesses, whose donations will help to make Christmas a brighter time for youngsters of all backgrounds and circumstances.

“We host our Give a Child a Gift campaign each year and we’re thrilled to be able to continue our commitment to local charities, especially at such an important time of year.”

Nikki Thompson, Children’s Services Manager at the Barnardo’s CareFree Young Carers’ Services said:

“We can’t encourage initiatives like this enough and are extremely grateful for every single donation received from the Leicestershire public.

A simple gift helps to show the vulnerable young children we support that they are cared for, loved and wanted over Christmas. Without donations like this many children, often living in great poverty, would have to go without over the festive period.”

For further information on Highcross’ Christmas toy appeal, its Grotto and what else is happening at Highcross this festive season, visit www.highcrossleicester.com.