Active Northumberland Sports and Leisure Centres are nominated drop off points for Metro Radio’s Mission Christmas appeal which is collecting presents for sick and disadvantaged children across the north-east. 
 

Local residents are being encouraged to spread a bit of festive joy by donating gifts suitable for ages 0-18 which will be donated to some of the region’s most deprived families. 
 

The gifts need to be new and unwrapped as they will be wrapped and allocated according to the appropriate age of the children. 
 

Across the north-east an estimated 47,000 children are living in poverty and will be waking up on Christmas morning to an empty space beneath the tree. The Metro Radio campaign aims to ensure that every child will get at least one present on Christmas morning. 
 

 Lisa Gordon from Active Northumberland who is helping to coordinate the collection said: 

“Christmas is a magical time for many children, but it is heart-breaking that for some families, it is a luxury they just can’t afford. 

“This year, with soaring bills, it is particularly challenging for many more families, and I would urge everyone to spare a thought for those children who without this appeal will have no gifts on Christmas morning. If you are able to add one more toy to the list when buying gifts for your loved ones, please do.  Any support you can give the appeal would be really appreciated.” 
 

The collection at the leisure centres will run until 14 December 2021. 

The centres that are designated drop-off points are: 

Ashington Leisure Centre 
Blyth Sports Centre 

Berwick Sports and Leisure 
Concordia Leisure Centre, Cramlington 
Morpeth Riverside 
Ponteland Leisure Centre 
Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre, Alnwick 
Wentworth Sports Centre, Hexham 
Prudhoe Waterworld 
Rothbury Gym and Pool  
Hirst Welfare Centre, Ashington 
Druridge Bay Fitness Centre 
Newbiggin Sports & Community Hub  
Northburn Sports & Community Centre, Cramlington