The News & Star Toy Appeal really does make a huge difference to thousands of people’s lives – as social workers and volunteers know.

Charities that work with families in distress and carers see just how much the presents donated to the Toy Appeal mean to families when they are handed over.

John Head, community chairman of Workington Rotary Club, is holding a special event for West Cumbria Young Carers and some children from Mayfield School, Workington.

He said: “These children, they have no childhood. Giving them something to enjoy is what it’s all about.

“We do a lot of work with the young carers throughout the year and this will be the end to a very busy week. I’m very much looking forward to it.”

The Rotary Club will distribute the presents provided by CFM Cash for Kids at a Christmas party on December 16.

The Rotary Club, Cash for Kids and Hunday Manor Country House Hotel are working together to make sure these children get a Christmas to remember.

Mr Head said: “The hotel is providing the food for free for the celebrations and Sara is providing the gifts to be given to the children.

“It will be quite an affair.

“Sara is excellent, and the team do a great job. At the end of the day it’s all about the children and giving them something to enjoy.”

For eight years charity executive Sara Oldham has worked with Cash For Kids and the Mission Christmas Appeal. For her Mission Christmas is a time for reflection and she uses this time to think a lot about the children that need helped.

Sara said: “It is exciting to be able to be part of this but there is also a sadness to it as well because you know there are a lot of children who perhaps wouldn’t have woken up to anything on Christmas morning.

“But through Mission Christmas it means these children are going to wake up to something which is absolutely fantastic and I am really proud to be part of it.”