An MP got stuck in with scissors and sticky tape to help give needy youngsters a merry Christmas.

Leicester West member Liz Kendall joined 15 volunteers to wrap gifts donated to the Mercury-backed Toys on the Table appeal.

We want to collect 8,000 presents which will be distributed to 4,000 children this festive season.

"I wanted to help out because Christmas is a really special time for families but lots of parents are struggling to make ends meet," said Ms Kendall.

"I wanted to do my small bit to help give kids a lovely Christmas."

She encouraged readers to back the appeal.

"Here is something simple that makes a real difference," said Ms Kendall.

"Just give an hour of your time to help wrap presents, donate a gift or donate wrapping paper."

Fellow wrapping volunteer Rebecca Cartledge, 42, a receptionist from Knighton, read about the appeal in the Mercury and decided to get involved on her days off.

She said: "I have four children of my own and I can't see a time where they wouldn't have anything for Christmas.

"The thought of a child waking up on Christmas morning and it being like any other day isn't right."

Kayleigh Shaw, 25, a customer service adviser from Netherhall, who volunteered to get wrapping with her colleagues, said: "We were really keen to get involved. I think it's important to remember there are children out there who go without presents."

So far, more than 2,500 gifts have been donated to the appeal. The 4,000 children who will benefit from the appeal have been referred to organisers by social workers, schools and churches.

Toys on the Table chairman Terry Watts, who has run the appeal for seven years, said: "Christmas is a time for children. If children go back to school and haven't got anything when others have, that is dreadful."

On Saturday, Val Morris, 69, from Braunstone, donated a Lego truck to the appeal at the Toys on the Table drop-off point in Dominoes, High Street, Leicester.

She said: "I'm sorry for children who haven't got parents who can afford to buy them a toy. It's nice to do that for them.

"It is a very worthwhile appeal. You feel like you are being Father Christmas."

Student Frances Wilson, 24, of Clarendon Park, Leicester, donated an action figure to the appeal.

She said: "It's definitely an appeal people should be supporting.

"I can't think of a better way of starting Christmas shopping than buying something for children who would really appreciate it."

If you would like to donate a toy, take it along to any of the collection points listed in the panel on this page between now and Monday, December 19. Donated toys should be new and not wrapped.

If you are doing something for Toys on the Table, or have been helped by the campaign in the past, call reporter Tom Mack on 0116 222 4264 or e-mail:

tommack@leicester mercury.co.uk