STAFF at a York healthcare organisation have given a massive boost to The Press’ Christmas Toys & Tins Appeal.

Employees at Benenden Healthcare Society’s offices in Holgate Park Drive donated scores of toys to the appeal, which is seeking to spread some festive cheer this Christmas by collecting toys and food for three York charities.

Benenden spokeswoman Amy Goodman said: “We asked members of staff to assist by bringing in toys to give to the appeal and have had an overwhelming response.

“People were bringing in bags full of toys. Benenden has also donated some teddy bears.”

She said Benenden, which employs more than 200 people in York, had also donated items to the York food bank.

The Press’ annual Toys & Tins Appeal has teamed up this year with Monks Cross Shopping Park’s Give A Gift Appeal.

The three charities to benefit are:

• York’s Women’s Aid Refuge, where mothers and their children go to escape from domestic abuse

• The Salvation Army, which is making hundreds of food parcels to help the city’s homeless and others in need over Christmas

• York Carers Centre, an independent body that supports carers who look after relatives, friends or neighbours who are ill, frail, disabled or in need of emotional support

Generous well-wishers can leave items up until 5pm today, either at The Press’ offices in Walmgate or at the Monks Cross Information Centre, next door to BHS.

Katherine Sharp, shopping centre manager, has said that Women’s Refuge also desperately needs donations of new bedding this year, such as sheets, pillow cases, duvet covers.

The Salvation Army has said it receives no local authority funding or support for its vital relief work, and so it depends on the kindness of individuals who made its work possible.