CAN you buy a small gift for a local child to make their Christmas special?

Readers are being asked to support the Bolton Evening News and the Bolton Lions' annual Caring Christmas Campaign -- the town's main appeal for local needy families.

The aim is to ensure that hundreds of children who live right across the borough will get gifts on Christmas Day.

Quite often, these are the only gifts they will receive.

Collection points for donations from the public are set up in shops, stores and local businesses in all the districts and the Bolton Lions ae just a 'phone call away to collect larger items.

We're asking if you can:

BUY a small gift for a child you'll never meet -- an extra purchase while you're out shopping for your family? It need not be a big present, just something they can call their own -- especially for those aged 10 and over who are often forgotten.

DONATE a small cash gift so that the Bolton Lions can buy presents? No money goes on costs -- every penny donated is used for the children.

SORT out toys, books and other gifts that your own children have outgrown so that another child can enjoy them? Items in good condition are very welcome.

ARRANGE a fund-raising event to boost the Caring Christmas Campaign? Or perhaps you could make a donation instead. Or could you arrange a fun event at a school that will benefit other, less well-off children?

Please send any donations to: CARING CHRISTMAS APPEAL, Angela Kelly, Features Editor, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1DE. Cheques or postal orders can be made out to Bolton Lions.

Somewhere -- possibly not too far away from where you live, a child is waiting for YOU to brighten up Christmas.