Following the overwhelmingly generous and thoughtful response from the local area to the Lichfield Cathedral Toy Appeal over the last two years, the cathedral is pleased to announce that the initiative will return this Christmas.

This year all toys will be donated to the Pathway Project and will be donated to local families in need and that may be victims of domestic abuse this winter.

Each year Lichfield Cathedral warmly invites worshippers to join the community as the Christmas tree is lit in front of the building and prayers are said during the St. Nicholas Service at the West Front.

In 2012 this service will also include the Toy Appeal and the cathedral gladly welcomes anyone attending to bring a toy along. This very special St. Nicholas service will take place on Sunday 9 December at 3.30pm and the Dean of Lichfield, the Very Rev’d Adrian Dorber is asking members of the local community to attend the service and bring a new toy along to support the Pathway Project this Christmas.

The Very Rev’d Adrian Dorber commented: “St. Nicholas is known in the Eastern Church as Nicholas the Wonderworker. He was a third century Bishop of Myra (Demre in Lycia, part of modern day Turkey). He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus. Christmas brings particular heartache for families in difficulty. Children can be the victims of domestic violence and family breakdown, and we want to support the Pathway Project as they reach out to families facing hardship and crisis. In the spirit of St. Nicholas, the cathedral wants to ensure especially vulnerable children can experience some of the joy and delight of Christmas.

All Christians have to remember Jesus’s teaching and example of joyful generosity, and as we give thanks for this birth, we express our thanks by giving children who face disadvantage and insecurity”.

Kathy Coe, Director from the Pathway Project said of the appeal: “There can be no sadder time for families to have to leave their homes, their friends and families, and all of their belongings than at Christmas. Seeing your children suffer is truly heartrending. You would think that the refuges would be really sad places to be but actually they are filled with hope at this time of year. When the gifts begin arriving and the worry and concern of mums trying to find ways to get something for their children is taken away it is wonderful to watch them relax and begin to feel safe and 'at home' with us. People are amazing in their support, their care and their concern and the wonderful sounds of children laughing and cheering as they open their gifts on Christmas morning is really heart-warming.Thank you in advance to all the lovely people who will respond to your appeal and help to make someone's Christmas really special”.

If you are not able to attend the service, but would still like to donate a gift, then toys will be gladly received in advance either to the Vergers’ office or at The Old Stables (next to Chapters Restaurant) between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday).

Please note that new toys are preferred and can be for ages 0 – 16.

The Pathway Project The Pathway Project was founded by a survivor whose faith led her to want to help other women in a similar situation. They have worked with women and children who suffer domestic abuse since 1993 and during that time have helped thousands of women and children to rebuild their lives and achieve things they could only have dreamed would be possible, Through a wide range of services, including refuge accommodation, floating support, children’s services, counselling, and groups and training, they support families through the trauma and distress of coping with abuse, and leaving their homes and sometimes everything they possess in order to find safety. The support is on-going and may be short term, but often can last for up to two years.

Pathway also run a drop in and outreach centre in Lichfield, the Hope Centre, making help and support easy to access. The 24 hour telephone helpline means that help is only ever a few seconds away.

The number of the helpline is 01543 676800 and the website is www.pathway-project.co.uk

For more information about the service or toy donation please call the cathedral reception on 01543 306100.

Thank you to Lichfield Camera Club for allowing us to use this delightful photo of Ben & Harry Lamplugh.