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Santa Claus left Rudolph in Lapland to kick-start the 2008 campaign at Crown Point Retail Park, arriving in style on a motorbike.

Pupils from Sharp Lane Primary School in Rothwell gave the first gifts to this year's appeal – and today, we're appealing to ALL Yorkshire Evening Post readers to donate a toy to help needy youngsters.

The YEP has teamed up with Cash for Kids – 96.3 Radio Aire and Magic 828's charity – and Crown Point Retail Park to make Christmas 2008 extra-special for thousands of underprivileged children across West Yorkshire.

YEP editor Paul Napier said: "Every child deserves to have a present to open on Christmas Day and I really hope that all readers will buy a present for the Toy Appeal.

"It's only a few pounds extra and it will mean the world to the children who receive them."

Magic 828's breakfast presenter Glenn Pinder added: "It was great to see the children's faces when Santa came to see them at Crown Point.
"It just makes you realise what a difference the Toy Appeal makes to children who are not so fortunate at Christmas."

To donate to the 2008 Toy Appeal simply pick up an extra present while Christmas shopping and take the new and unwrapped gift to your nearest drop-off point in Leeds by Friday, December 12.

The presents will be distributed to charities including St George's Crypt, Barnardo's, The Children's Society Leap Project, St Vincent Support Centre, West Leeds Family Resource Centre, Safe@Home, Candlelighters and Martin House Children's Hospice.

Gifts will also be given to Leeds General Infirmary and St James's Hospital through the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Charitable Foundation, and hospitals in Wakefield, Pontefract and Dewsbury through the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Presents can be taken to any store at the Crown Point Retail Park in Leeds, including Argos, Boots, Mothercare, Asda Home and Hobbycraft.
Alternatively, leave your gift at the YEP building on Wellington Street, Leeds or the 96.3 Radio Aire and Magic 828 headquarters on Burley Road, Kirkstall, Leeds.