The Citizen has teamed up with Asda supermarket in Fulwood to make it even easier to donate to our Christmas Tins and Toys Appeal.

The Tins and Toys Appeal, now in its fourth year, provides food and toys for the women's refuges in Preston and South Ribble.

For many people Christmas is a time of joy, but for some families it can be unbearable as domestic violence rears its ugly head. To kickstart their involvement in the campaign kind hearted bosses at Asda Fulwood, Eastway have already donated two pallet loads of goods to the Citizen Tins and Toys Appeal.

From Wednesday, November 2, Asda will have a drop-off point for donations. The supermarket will also be collecting for Asda's own Christmas appeal which provides goods for the Salvation Army and Royal Preston Hospital.

Sandra Clarke, events co-ordinator, said: "We like to support children, women, and health groups at Christmas, so supporting the Citizen's Tins and Toys appeal is ideal for us.

"All we are asking for is toys for children or a tin of beans or ham. It's for those who have nothing at Christmas.

Items suitable for our appeal are children's toys, games and books and tinned/non-perishable foods.

All we ask is that toys are new and unwrapped, and that tins are within their sell-by date.

Toiletries for the mothers would also be appreciated, as would nappies.

Don't forget that donated goods can still be dropped off at our Winckley Square offices, in Chapel Street.