Donate a gift for South Ribble and Chorley Women's Refuges as part of its Christmas Wish Tree Appeal.

Many families staying at the refuges have had to flee their homes due to domestic abuse and have left behind all of their possessions, including Christmas presents.The idea of the Wish Tree is simple, visit one of the wish trees and select a tag. Each tag gives a ‘wish’; for example, a cuddly toy for a young child or a box of chocolates for a mum. Once you have bought the gift, return it unwrapped with the tag to where a Wish Tree is located.

Gifts will be collected at noon on Friday, December 14 in time to be distributed before Christmas.The appeal will distribute presents to residents of The Bridge in Chorley, a purpose-built housing scheme for homeless people aged 16-25.

They will also be handed out by social workers and health visitors and to the young people supported by Leyland-based charity, Key Unlocking Futures, which works to help young people up to the age of 25 build a better life for themselves.

Liz Stanton, manager of South Ribble and Chorley Women’s Refuges, owned by Progress Housing Group, said: “Each year the people show such wonderful Christmas spirit with their overwhelming support of our wish tree appeal. There are so many vulnerable families in the South Ribble and Chorley areas and over the last 17 years they have made Christmas happen for hundreds of families.”If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call the 24-hour South Ribble and Chorley domestic abuse helpline for free, confidential advice on 01772 435865.