Merseyside Police support Radio City's Mission Christmas

Officers will become Santa's helpers this Festive period to support Radio City’s 'Mission Christmas' appeal to ensure under-privileged children and young people wake up to presents under the tree on Christmas morning.

Last year Mission Christmas helped Santa deliver more than 150,000 presents worth £1.2 million to 37,000 local children.

While officers around the force will be encouraged to donate presents, several police stations will be used as collection points and members of the public are asked to drop in with toys for younger children and electronics, cosmetics and other items for teenager.

There are drop-off points at the following police stations:

Huyton Police Station - Lathom Road, Huyton, L36 9XU
• Newton-le-Willows Police Station, Market Street, Earlestown, WA12 9BW
• Walton Lane Police Station, Walton Lane, Walton, L4 5RL
• Speke Police Station – Ganworth Road, Speke, L24 2XQ
• Head Quarters – Canning Place, Liverpool city centre, L1 8JX
• Marsh Lane Police Station, Bootle, L20 5BW
• Southport Police Station, Albert Road, Southport, PR9 0LL
• Wallasey Police Station, Manor Road, Liscard, CH44 1DA

Each person donating is invited to buy a new, unwrapped present for a specific sex and age range between 0-18, to make sure each one gets the perfect present. The gifts will then be sent to children in the local area. Applications are made by social workers, children’s homes and women's refuges to name a few.

Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: "Christmas has always been a time for giving, and thinking about those less fortunate than ourselves.

"Last year we ran our own scheme to give presents to some of our most vulnerable young people and it was a huge success.

"This year we are supporting Radio City’s campaign and encourage everyone who can to help.

"Our officers and staff are an extremely kind-hearted bunch and really dug deep last Christmas to make the festive season extra special for a lot of our region’s young people. I have no doubt they will once again get into the Christmas spirit and give generously.

"This really is what Christmas is all about, with every gift making this time of year better for those children in our communities who might otherwise go without."

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: "Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: “This is such a simple idea, but one that makes the world of difference to a child who may otherwise have been waking up on Christmas morning with nothing waiting for them under the tree.

"Over the last couple of years Merseyside Police has run a similar project with great success and I’m sure this year’s effort on behalf of Radio City’s ‘Mission Christmas’ will be just as well supported. Even a small gesture can make a huge difference at Christmas. I hope that, through the generosity and thoughtfulness of the officers and staff of Merseyside Police and people across Merseyside, many more children will be experiencing some festive cheer this year."

Carole Clare, Charity Manager from Cash for Kids, said: "Mission Christmas is our biggest campaign of the year and we simply could not fulfil all of the applications without the kindness and generosity of our supporters.

"We are delighted that Merseyside Police are supporting the appeal this year and we know that your help will be invaluable. We provided gifts for 37,000 children last year and we think demand will increase even further this year. With your involvement you will help keep the magic of Christmas alive for a local child. Thank you."

Visit radiocity.co.uk/mission for full details.

If you are from an organisation supporting children who might be eligible to receive a gift from Mission Christmas, or know of any such children, you can apply here: https://www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/mission-christmas/merseyside

#MissionChristmas

If you would prefer to donate cash which will be spent on appropriate gifts, you can do so here: https://www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/radio-city-mission-christmas-fundraising-2018/fundraisers/merseyside-police/