Christmas is a time for giving and The Evening Advertiser aims to raise £5,000 to make a real difference to children's lives across Swindon.

Today marks the launch of our annual Christmas Appeal and Nation-wide, based in Pipers Way, has kicked off the fundraising festivities with a cheque for £1,000.

Michelle Leighton, Nationwide community affairs manager, said: "We are delighted to support this appeal which reaches out to people who are perhaps less fortunate than ourselves. All the charities deserve every bit of support we can give."

The appeal will help 11 Swindon charities, including family centres, schools for children with special needs and groups for disabled youngsters.

Koalas Swindon Opportunity Group, based in Victoria Hospital, Old Town, offers a lifeline to under five-year-olds who are disabled or have learning difficulties.

At present 38 youngsters benefit from the play and learning facilities it offers.

One-year-old Reece Jeans, who is underdeveloped for his age, has been going to the group for the past five months.

His mother, Lisa Lynch, 31, from Abbey Meads, is thrilled with her son's progress.

She said: "It is amazing. Reece used to have no confidence. Now he is so much more outgoing and plays with other children."

Tomasz Piatek, two, has also improved since he started attending the play sessions.

His mother, Corrine, 28, from Toothill, said: "His speech is getting much clearer and he is developing social skills. The Koalas group has worked wonders."

The Welcome Centre, in Lynd-hurst Crescent, Park North, runs an after school club for four to 11-year-olds.

Last year the centre received cash to stage a bumper Christmas party for scores of excited youngsters.

Play supervisor Alison David, 43, said: "Parents really appreciate the service. The children participate in all sorts of activities, such as painting, cooking and making crafts. But this week we have been decorating the Christmas tree."

Christopher Hutt, seven, is a fan of the club.

He said: "We play games and have lots of fun. I have tea here too."

Chloe Bevey, eight, is equally enthusiastic.

She said: "I like playing with dolls and reading books there, like the Jolly Postman."

The centre is having a Christmas party next Saturday and Tommy Brenton, seven, cannot wait for the occasion.

He said: "I am really looking forward to it and hope to see Father Christmas."

The Green Hut, at the back of St Barnabas Church in Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, supports the homeless, elderly and disadvantaged families.

It has been running for 17 years and serves warm meals every weekday lunchtime for £1.

Green Hut chairman Alan Fletcher, 56, said: "People rely on our service as their only hot meal in the day. We also offer advice in warm, friendly surroundings."

Last year the Green Hut received £350 from our appeal, which helped pay for its Christmas party.

Mr Fletcher said: "We served turkey with all the trimmings. There were also presents for children and people received food parcels to take home."

Pam Bayliss, 55, has been cooking for the Green Hut for the past six years.

She said: "I love doing it. The people are so grateful and you really feel like you are helping the community. I am looking forward to doing another big turkey for our Christmas lunch."