AIREDALE Hospital and Community Charity, the official dedicated charity of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, has launched this year's Christmas Gift Appeal.

We are asking for help from the community to make Airedale Hospital patients’ Christmas Day special, from the paediatric patients in the children’s unit to older patients in one of the elderly wards.

Whether it’s a pair of fluffy socks, a soft blanket or a set of colouring books to help pass the time, it’s up to you and your gift-giving skills to bring comfort and joy to hospital patients this holiday season.

The Gift Appeal is our way of bringing festive cheer to our patients who won’t be able to go home for Christmas.

We do our best to make everyone’s day really special, but we can’t do that without your help. Donating gifts to our patients is a great way to help us spread the holiday spirit throughout our hospital, and to bring a smile to patients’ faces on Christmas Day.

We want to thank everyone who is considering bringing in a gift; it really does make a difference.

The final date to bring your gifts this year is Wednesday, December 13.

Donations can be dropped off at the charity office (location C33) at Airedale Hospital in a small box or gift bag, stating the age range and gender (if applicable) for the enclosed gift.

Please note that unfortunately, the hospital cannot accept gifts that are wrapped in paper.

Contact the charity on 01535 294870 or by email at anhsft.charity@nhs.net for more information or to organise dropping off your donation.

Thank you.

Laura Hepworth, community fundraiser, Airedale Hospital and Community Charity