Ref. 28310-29The Walcot Family Centre is pinning its hopes on the Evening Advertiser's Christmas Appeal to spread some festive cheer.

The centre, in Essex Walk, is without Christmas decorations this year - because they have been stolen from the premises.

Expensive play equipment, used by children at the centre, has also been vandalised.

Centre manager Lynn Turner, 34, said: "The children were so disappointed when we told them the decorations had gone.

"But hopefully we will soon be able to buy some more."

The decorations were found to be missing from the centre's shed.

Adding to the misfortune, a water tray, table tennis table and woodwork bench, also stored in the shed, have been damaged.

Miss Turner said: "It is so senseless. The shed was padlocked, but that doesn't make any difference these days."

The centre, which is one of the 11 charities to benefit from our appeal, intends to spend the money we donate on replacement decorations and toys.

At present children, who attend the toddler group, crches or after school club, are currently making do with a solitary Christmas tree.

Miss Turner said: "The tree was donated to us by Don Gutteriez, who used to dress up as Father Christmas for us. Sadly he died last year, so won't be visiting the centre this Christmas."

If the appeal reaches its £5,000 target, the Walcot Family Centre should receive between £250 and £300 to treat children who use the facilities.

Miss Turner added: "We have had our fair share of setbacks this year, so the Advertiser's support is much appreciated."

The other organisations to benefit are the West Swindon Family Centre, The Welcome Centre, Homestart, Chalet Special School, The Koalas Opportunity Group, The Green Hut, Uplands Special School, Brimble Hill Special School, The Otters Group and Swindon Women's Refuge.

Collection boxes have now been placed around the Swindon borough, so donations can easily be made.

What to do to help them out

To donate money to our Christmas appeal you can drop in to any branch of Nationwide and quote Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal Account number 0435/703528821

Collection boxes have also been placed in the following locations:

Sainsbury's in Bridgemead

Sainsbury's in Stratton St Margaret.

Tesco in The Parade, Swindon

Havelock News in Havelock Street, Swindon.

Baileys News in Cheney Manor and in High Street, Wootton Bassett.

Dillons, in Newburgh Place, Highworth.

Grange Drive News, in Grange Drive, Stratton St Margaret.

Spar shop in Purton.

Rodbourne Mini Market, in Rodbourne Road, Rodbourne Cheney.

Victoria Tagg