Hexham MP Guy Opperman has launched his annual Christmas toy appeal for
the fifth year running.

Mr Opperman and his North Northumberland counterpart Anne-Marie
Trevelyan MP collect Christmas presents, which are then distributed by
the Salvation Army to children who otherwise, would not have received
any gifts at Christmas.

Mr Opperman said he was "overwhelmed by the kind generosity of local
people" last year after he and Anne Marie handed over almost 500 brand
new toys for North East children in poverty.

Mr Opperman said "Last year's response to our appeal was truly amazing. Every
single toy that is donated this year will make a huge difference to
the Christmas Day of some of the poorest children living in our
region.

Over the last four years we have been constantly humbled by the
support we have received. Even as local people have felt the financial
squeeze themselves they have been incredibly generous every year. I
think that says a lot about the people of Northumberland.

There is a genuine sense of community in our part of the world, of
looking out for each other and helping those in need. I am very
pleased to help do my bit towards that with this appeal.

I hope this year we can collect another big haul of brand new toys
this year and carry on what is becoming a really wonderful tradition
here in Tynedale.”

One of the project volunteers Gordon Stewart said “All we are asking
people to do, when buying for their own children or grandchildren this
year, is buy one more gift for a child who wouldn't otherwise get
anything. Last year, people were incredibly generous with their
support, with presents arriving from the cuddly toy for a toddler to
makeup bags for teenage girls, and from lego kits to footballs."

People can drop off toys at Mr Opperman's Constituency Office at 1 Meal
Market Hexham between 1st November and 1st December.

Mr Opperman and Mrs Trevelyan will officially hand the toys over to
the Salvation Army at the beginning of December.