Barbara Windsor leads celeb supporters of our Smiles at Christmas campaign asking generous readers to donate what they can to help children in need
EastEnders icon joins army of stars, from Simon Cowell to Judge Rinder, as we launch our appeal to make the festive season safe for kids across the country
STARS of stage and screen came together last night in a massive show of support for The Sun’s Smiles at Christmas appeal.
An EastEnders icon, X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing favourites and pop idols have already given their backing.
We are appealing for you to give what you can to four charities — Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Children with Cancer, The Amar Foundation and Women’s Aid.
DAME BARBARA WINDSOR, 79, who was Peggy in EastEnders for more than 20 years, said: “Christmas is a very special time for children. Let’s do something amazing together.
“Please support Smiles at Christmas and give generously with as much money or as many toys as you can.”
Give cash online now at
X Factor supremo SIMON COWELL, 57, said: “The charities involved with The Sun’s appeal are so deserving of recognition and support.
“They are working hard to help families, and this year as much as ever, if you can help please do by donating money, toys and teddies.
“Each of the charities you will be helping do amazing things to care for, and support, young children.”
Strictly co-presenter CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN echoed music mogul Simon’s call.
Claudia, 44, said: “For hundreds of thousands of children, Christmas simply isn’t a time of joy and happiness.
“The Sun’s appeal is a fantastic way to make sure it is, by helping four incredible charities deliver toys to those most in need of love.”
Strictly star JUDGE RINDER, 38, admitted Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity very close to his heart.
He said: “The work they carry out, especially at Christmas, helps the lives of these kids who have been through so much. I urge you to support them through The Sun’s campaign and give generously.”
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Pop stars OLLY MURS, CRAIG DAVID and PIXIE LOTT are all supporting our call.
Olly, 32, said: “All over the world there are millions of children who won’t experience a happy Christmas this year.
“It’s great of The Sun to shine light on this.”
Craig, 35, added: “I’m backing The Sun’s appeal all the way. Please donate to this great cause if you can.”
And Pixie, 25, said: “Christmas is my favourite time of year and together we can collect lots of toys, teddies and money for four very worthy and important charities.”
Telly stars including ALESHA DIXON, ALEX JONES, CHRISTINE LAMPARD and JOEY ESSEX have also given their support to our appeal.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha, 38, declared: “This is such a wonderful idea.
“We should spread as much love as possible!” Presenter Christine, 37, wife of former England football star Frank, said: “We will be donating to this worthy cause — you should donate toys too.”
The One Show presenter Alex, 39, is hoping readers get behind The Amar Foundation.
She said: “It is a great charity which improves the lives of the poorest and most disadvantaged kids in Iraq.
“Please donate money and toys to The Sun’s campaign to make sure these children get the right start in life.” Former Towie star Joey, 26 — whose mum Tina committed suicide when he was ten — said: “I know what it’s like growing up and not having loved ones around at Christmas.
“Please donate and provide cheer for these youngsters.”
Former special forces commander ANT MIDDLETON knows many children of heroes who have had to grow up without a parent. Ant, 36, the star of SAS: Who Dares Wins, urged “Please support The Sun’s campaign to help these charities to continue their amazing work.”
Another of our appeal’s supporters is TV sports presenter CHARLIE WEBSTER, 33.
She said: “If we all gave up the cost of just one Christmas present this year, imagine the change we could make.”
Give cash
Online:
Text: To give £2, text KIDS55 2 to 70070. You can change the amount to £3, £4, £5 or £10 by changing the last figure to 3, 4, 5 or 10.
Post: Send a cheque, made payable to JustGiving Foundation, to JustGiving The Sun Appeal, Bluefin Building 2nd Floor, London SE1 0TA
Give toys
You can donate new or used toys in good condition at 1,370 branches of McColl’s convenience stores.
Toys “R” Us will accept new toys only — look for special Sun trolleys near entrances.
Tell pals
Like our Facebook page
Or tweet using #SmilesAtChristmas to let us know how you’re getting involved!
Our great campaigns
SUN readers are superb at helping good causes. Here are some recent successes:
KNIT FOR NEEDY KIDS: Readers made 500,000 hats, blankets and mitts for disadvantaged youngsters since June last year.
GIVE ME SHELTER: £3.2million government funding was pledged to domestic violence refuges after our May 2015 campaign.
CHECK ’EM TUESDAY: Millions of women checked their breasts and four spotted cancer early in our awareness drive with CoppaFeel in 2014.
GET KIDS READING: We gave out thousands of books in 2014 campaign with Save the Children.
HELPING HAITI: We raised £250,000 in a day after a quake rocked the Caribbean isle in 2010.
HELP FOR HEROES: We helped the military charity raise £280million since 2007.