Leeds United helped make annual Christmas toy appeal a success

Radio Aire's annual Mission Christmas toy appeal has been hailed  a major success after it was revealed it has helped more than 26,000 children.
By Mark Lavery
Published 23rd Dec 2019, 06:00 BST
Volunteers at the Cash for Kids charity depot in Leeds.Volunteers at the Cash for Kids charity depot in Leeds.
Volunteers at the Cash for Kids charity depot in Leeds.

People were urged to buy one extra gift and donate it to the Yorkshire Evening Post-backed appeal to ensure no disadvantaged child in Leeds and West Yorkshire went without a present this Christmas.

This year’s appeal has helped a total of 26,143 children.

Leeds United players bring gifts to help annual toy appeal

Pictured (left to right) are Eddie Thompson, a Cash for Kids Charity Ambassador, Allison Green, a Barclays volunteer and Lauren Procter, a Cash for Kids charity executive at the Cash for Kids depot in Leeds.Pictured (left to right) are Eddie Thompson, a Cash for Kids Charity Ambassador, Allison Green, a Barclays volunteer and Lauren Procter, a Cash for Kids charity executive at the Cash for Kids depot in Leeds.
Pictured (left to right) are Eddie Thompson, a Cash for Kids Charity Ambassador, Allison Green, a Barclays volunteer and Lauren Procter, a Cash for Kids charity executive at the Cash for Kids depot in Leeds.

Leeds United players backed the appeal - which is the biggest of its kind in the UK.

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Six members of United’s squad arrived at the appeal’s The Store Room headquarters in Millshaw last week armed with bags of presents and a cash donation.

Captain Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling, Kiko Casilla, Stuart Dallas, Barry Douglas and Pablo Hernandez were happy to help out

Singer and TV star Fleur East, who hosts a show on Radio Aire, said: “We all deserve a great Christmas and thanks to the generosity of our listeners, we’ll be able to make that more of a reality for families struggling this season.

Leeds United playes help out at Mission Christmas, Millshaw, Leeds..Pictured from the left are Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, Lisa Sullivan, Liam Cooper, Barry Douglas, Pablo Hernandez. Picture by Simon HulmeLeeds United playes help out at Mission Christmas, Millshaw, Leeds..Pictured from the left are Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, Lisa Sullivan, Liam Cooper, Barry Douglas, Pablo Hernandez. Picture by Simon Hulme
Leeds United playes help out at Mission Christmas, Millshaw, Leeds..Pictured from the left are Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, Lisa Sullivan, Liam Cooper, Barry Douglas, Pablo Hernandez. Picture by Simon Hulme

"It’s been humbling to see the wonderful donations come in, all of which will help put a smile on another child’s face this Christmas Day.”

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Radio Aire breakfast show presenter Ant Arthur, said: “The response to our Mission Christmas campaign has been simply amazing, and we send a huge thanks to all of you that have made this small act of kindness that will really help make a difference.”

B&M Bargains and B&M home stores supported the campaign again across West Yorkshire with all of their stores hosting drop off points for gifts.

The B&M store at Kirkstall hosted a trolley dash and donated gifts worth more than £1,500.

Radio Aire charity manager Lisa Sullivan, said: “ I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for their incredible support.

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"It’s been truly overwhelming and I am so proud of every single person who has helped us make sure 26,143 local children will get a gift to open on Christmas Day.

"We’ve really come together to show these children we care. Merry Christmas to each and every one of you.

To find out how you can help young people in your area all year round, go to www.radioaire.co.uk/charity

Related topics:Leeds UnitedWest YorkshireLeedsLiam Cooper