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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Aaliyah Rugg

'Unprecedented' support pours in after child's heartbreaking Christmas request

An "unprecedented" level of support has come pouring in after children requested basic items for Christmas.

The ECHO previously reported how the Dunelm Christmas appeal left staff in tears after children asked for items that many people take for granted. The most requested items from both children and adults were hats, scarves and gloves as well as chocolate for children and toiletries for adults.

As part of the appeal, pre-written tags are on a Christmas tree in the store that shoppers can take home and return with the selected gift to the store before December 11. Organisers say support has been pouring in, with one woman offering to donate around 700 presents to the cause.

READ MORE: 'Great' dad died after 'leaving pub to get a Domino's for his sons'

The appeal runs at all Dunelm stores, but a staff member in the St Helens store - Kelly Nichols - said the level of support has "astounded" them. Despite the tough financial situation many are facing, the support has meant they can reach out to as many as possible.

She told the ECHO: "The support we've received from not only St Helens, but nationwide, has been unprecedented. This is the third year we've run this campaign, and, despite people facing their own hardships with fuel, food and energy prices rising, the level of help has astounded us, personally and as a company.

"In the St Helens store, we've sent out over 450 tags, on request via social media, and in general from restocking our in-store tree. We've had a gentleman offer to donate an amount of brand new board games for use within our chosen care home, homeless support centre and mental health residential centre, and an amazing lady offer us approximately 700 presents to gift, which has meant we can include more causes and branch out into surrounding areas to ensure we reach as many people in need as possible.

"We've garnered interest on Tiktok, with the tags from St Helens receiving 45,000 likes and a follow up video, and our original Facebook post has reached over 150,000 people worldwide, with offers of help from as far away as America."

Adult requests were also similar as one person asked for toiletries and clean socks while another asked for a hat, scarf and some biscuits. A third simply requested a selection box. Other requests have included a bag of crisps and a chocolate bar.

More information on the appeal and how you can help, visit the store of check out the Facebook Page here.

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