Kids pass on toys to cheer appeal

Sophie, 9, and Blake Richardson, 6, of Napier, with the gifts and goodies they wanted to give to the Christmas Cheer Appeal. Photo / Supplied

Knowing that Santa will be on the way with some great goodies (as he's been a good lad) 6-year-old Blake Richardson of Napier wasn't too concerned about handing over a lot of his own toys to the Christmas Cheer Appeal this week.

"We've got Santa on film," he said.

His sister Sophie, 9, was also passing on some of the great toys and goodies she had collected over the past couple of years, and as dad Bruce said, the toys were all pretty well as good as new.

The Taradale Primary School youngsters wanted to help some less fortunate kids in the community so had a major sort-out.

The result was two large bags of goodies, dozens and dozens of them.

"We gave a few last year because there are a lot of people out there who are not so fortunate - it's one of those things we like to do."

Asked if she might miss a few of the things she was passing on, Sophie smiled and quietly said "yeah - but we're getting some more things for Christmas".

Mr Richardson said the youngsters had always looked after their things and that was obvious by a couple of the items they donated - they were like new.

On the cash side of the appeal there were a string of great donations from several businesses - enough to push the fund within sight of the $5000 mark.

Higgins Contractors, who are annual supporters, came through with $500 while other regular supporters, Hagen and Owen and Gemco Construction both dropped off $200.

Ian Dick Concrete and Diack Bros also make it an annual part of their community support and donated $100 each.

The fund was also boosted by a $105 donation from the Havelock North Lioness Club and a Napier lady who wanted to do her bit made an anonymous $20 donation.

The appeal runs until December 19.