Sidmouth Rotary Club's Christmas appeal has got off to a good start, with around 250 gifts already donated for children in need.

The club is working with Sid Valley Food Bank and other organisations to bring some Christmas cheer to people on low incomes. They are seeing a greater demand for help this year than in 2022, but say the response has been 'fantastic'. 

This year Sidmouth Rotary is also supporting The Children’s Hospice South West. There are several local children and families that go to the hospice and the club will be giving these children gifts this Christmas.

Mike Goodman from Sidmouth Rotary said:  "Last week I had the privilege of speaking to all the children of St John’s School  about the Sidmouth appeal.  The children were fantastic and so engaged, understanding that there are children and families that need help particularly at Christmas. Special thanks to the school who are supporting the appeal - the children will be bringing gifts and Christmas items into school.

"I also visited Fords South West Ltd of Alexandra Road who are supporting the appeal. They decided to use a bath so that customers and staff could bring gifts in, and it is already getting full."

Sidmouth Rotary will be collecting toys and gifts in Market Place outside Fields during late-night shopping on Friday, December 1 between 4pm and 8pm, and on Saturday, December 2 between 10am and 1pm. Members will also be selling their Christmas appeal raffle tickets. On Saturday afternoon Mike will be at the rugby club with others talking about the appeal and selling raffle tickets.

Several businesses and other organisations have collection boxes where people can drop off gifts and Christmas items: Fields, Potburys, The Works, the Co-op, Post Office, Gliddons Toy Shop, the rugby club, golf club, cricket club, bowls club, Fords South West Ltd  and Lidl. Any business or organisation that would like a box should contact Sidmouth Rotary.

Anyone who knows someone who needs help this Christmas, or needs support themselves, can contact - in confidence  - Tracey.tipton@firstfederation.org.uk.