FAMILIES at a centre for homeless mums and their children in Blackburn woke up last Christmas Day to bulging stockings and festive treats.

But the story could have been different if it wasn’t for the generosity of all those who donated stacks of toys and food to the Christmas Wishes appeal.

This year’s campaign, backed by the Lancashire Telegraph, is to provide even more help.

The Telegraph is asking readers to make Christmas a happier time for families who find themselves in the Maryvale Centre during the festive season.

You can help by donating tins or packaged food and new, unwrapped toys and gifts to go to the centre in Little Harwood, which houses young women aged between 16 and 25 years old who are pregnant, have a baby or are single and homeless when referred.

The supported accomodation provides a sanctuary for mums and children with nowhere else to go, helping them to build the skills to re-enter into their local communities.

Sarah Tobin, unit manager at Maryvale, said: “The Christmas Wish Appeal has generously given gifts for the young women and their babies over the past few years.

“The gifts have brought delight to the young women and their babies and contributed to them having a special and more memorable Christmas.”

Maryvale is one of more than 40 charities in the area that will receive toys, food, toiletries and clothes.

Last year, the gifts helped everyone, from young children to men and women in hospital, those suffering from addictions, physical abuse, neglect and homelessness.

The campaign is being spearheaded by SAMS, part of the not-for-profit Community and Business Partners, in partnership with The Mall, BAE Systems, Europrint, and the Lancashire Telegraph.

People wishing to help this extremely worth-while cause, can take gifts to a collection point in Blackburn’s Mall shopping centre in the town centre.