APPEAL: The Evening Advertiser and Swindon Rotary Club are again joining forces to launch a Christmas Appeal to bring cheer to children across the town. ALEX EMERY explains why it is vital to give.

IT is the time of year to look forward to Christmas to parties, presents, food and the odd drop of festive cheer.

The big day unites loved ones. For many it's a time to catch up on a year's worth of news, to exchange bright parcels with big bows, to be embarrassed by your dad strutting around the lounge to the tune of Slade, or even catching Granny and Grandpa having a little cuddle under the mistletoe.

It's fun. It's joyful. It's Christmas.

But what if the season of goodwill is a period of misery? What if the anticipation is rather a time of worry and depression? For those less fortunate, Christmas is more headache than celebration.

This is why the Evening Advertiser has teamed up with Swindon Rotary Club to help make this Christmas brighter for needy children.

The Rotary Club has been helping the most vulnerable groups in Swindon at Christmas for 12 years. And the Evening Advertiser's Christmas toy appeal has brightened the lives of thousands of disabled, disadvantaged and needy children.

Last year we received sackfuls of toys and teddies, together with £2,214 in cash donations.

This year we aim to do even better. We are asking for new toys only to be donated, which can be passed on to children's groups across the town.

Money can also be given, which will be invested in good causes in Swindon. Most will benefit children, but some will also be used to provide food for the elderly this Christmas.

Nigel Henham, appeal co-ordinator for the Swindon Rotary Club, said: "To everyone who made a donation to our Christmas Appeal last year, I would like on behalf of the Evening Advertiser and the Rotary Club of Swindon to express our whole-hearted thanks for your generosity.

"Your support for this appeal is again needed to make a very special difference to the lives of local disadvantaged and disabled children.

"Making a child smile is rewarding and the one thing I can promise is that your gifts this Christmas will bring miles of smiles, lightening the faces and spirits of hundreds of children.

"There is an often-quoted saying that 'actions speak louder than words'.

"Please help make that difference to a Swindon child this Christmas with your support and donation."

CLICK HERE to make a donation online