GENEROUS readers have been thanked for mountains of donated toys and gifts which will “put a smile on children’s faces instead of tears”.

In October the Leader joined forces with the charity North Wales Superkids to gather gifts for children of all ages, who may otherwise receive none this Christmas.

The appeal closed on Friday and Superkids founder Margaret Williams MBE, from Flint, spoke of her surprise at the volume and quality of the donations.

She said: “It is amazing and the quality of the donations are fantastic - it is really surpassed our expectations. People have been so kind. They will go to loving homes.

“In this day and age a lot of families are in low income brackets but you find they’re so kind. They’ll always give to someone less well off.”

Speaking of the importance of supporting families who may not be able to provide presents, she added: “Children don’t understand the workings of adult life - they are expecting Father Christmas.

“But what happens if he doesn’t come? They question ‘Have I been naughty? Doesn’t he like me?’.

“Then when they go back into school in January and they are asked what Father Christmas brought them they reinvent their lives. This can have long lasting feelings and effects.

“A man in his 50s came to the grotto last week to bring some presents and he can remember back to his childhood, which was very unhappy and with no presents. Even today this has affected him.”

Speaking to the generous Leader readers who got behind the appeal, she said: “A huge thank you - we can’t do this without the support and help of businesses, the public and the community.

“We’re only eight people and a handful of volunteers, we could never imagine doing it without outside help.

“The donations will now put a smile on a child’s face instead of tears, but it will also put the happy back in happy Christmas for them.”

Susan Perry, group editor of Newsquest North Wales, said: “We have been totally overwhelmed by the response from our readers.

“We cannot thank them enough, their generosity knows no bounds. Our readers have shown the true spirit of Christmas.

“At this time of year and in the current economic climate there is tremendous pressure on families to buy gifts for children and thanks to our readers a great number of families across North Wales will have the help and support they need.

“Hundreds of children will be opening some amazing presents on Christmas day thanks to Leader readers. Our sincere and grateful thanks.”