Four-year-old Tom has been removed from his parent's care as he was being neglected; Sophie, 11, is a carer for her mum who has a life-limiting illness; and Izzie, six, has recently moved in with her dad following the sudden death of her mum - but he's struggling financially.
These are just some of the heartbreaking stories of children in the North East who may not receive anything this Christmas without your support.
One family is determined to make sure every child in need receives presents to open on Christmas morning as it launches its annual festive appeal under the name 'Norah's North Pole'. For the last seven years, a team of volunteers based in Sunderland have spent weeks collecting donations of toys and gifts for youngsters across the region, who have been referred to them by schools and social services.
