THERE’S still time to support this year’s Santa’s Suitcase appeal, launched by the March Anglia Co-operative Travel team and the Cambs Times to bring festive cheer to needy families.

There has already been a heart warming response to the appeal for toys, books and games to be given to needy families this Christmas - and our generous readers have until Saturday at 5pm to make a donation.

Natasha Thatcher, manager of the Broad Street branch, said: “People are being really kind. We have been delighted with the response so far, and we’re going to be able to help quite a few families facing hardship.”

All the gifts will be delivered to vulnerable families in the March and Chatteris area supported by the Ormiston Children and Families Trust.

Natasha said staff had been moved by some of the donations. “One gentleman brought in a box of toys, books and baby playthings,” she said.

“And a little girl - she was only aged about 4 – gave us a shoe box full of pencils, stickers, colouring books and crayons and said ‘please make sure it goes to a little girl who won’t be as lucky as me this Christmas’.”

If you can help the appeal with a donation of a toy, book, game or puzzle, please take it to the Anglia Co-operative Travel branch at 34 Broad Street by 5pm tomorrow (Saturday).

The appeal needs items for all age ranges , but for health and safety reasons, they cannot accept second-hand or cuddly toys.