Councillor Joan McTigue has joined forces with fellow councillors for similar appeals in the past and is urging local people to give generously in her latest campaign.
The charitable drive was inspired by a visit Cllr McTigue made to an orphanage in India in 1982 which left her saddened by the levels of deprivation she witnessed.
Now the Longlands & Beechwood ward Councillor is turning her attention to youngsters in orphanages in Africa.
She’s being supported in this year’s appeal by fellow councillors Janet Thompson and Sharon Platt, with a call for donations of clothes and shoes, as well as toys and small books.
It is hoped to store the donated items at Middlesbrough Town Hall before they are shipped out to their new owners.
Councillor McTigue said: “These children don’t ask to be brought into the world and what we throw away would be a luxury to many of them.
“Some years ago I visited an orphanage in Chennai in India and it was heartbreaking to see children with nothing to call their own - not a single toy and no decent shoes or clothes.
“People from across Middlesbrough have been incredibly generous in the past, and I have no doubt this appeal will be no different, and will make a real difference to so many young lives.
“I’m also very grateful to my fellow Councillors for their time and support in such a worthy cause.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation is asked to contact Cllr McTigue at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
