Family collects more than 45,000 toys for children who would otherwise go without this Christmas
Video report by Emily Reader
A family from Sunderland has collected more than 45,000 Christmas presents, to give to children in the North East, who might otherwise go without.
Norah's North Pole appeal was set up five years ago in memory of the Wilkinson family's grandmother who passed away in 2015.
This year the volunteers have been overwhelmed by the kindness of the local community, which has seen them receive more donations than ever before.
Anastasia is Santa's littlest helper here.
At almost 3 years old - she's putting her extensive toy knowledge to good use, selecting gifts for other children to open on Christmas morning.
The Norah's North Pole Christmas appeal was launched in memory of Anastasia's great-grandma Norah, who lived by the motto "It is nice, to be nice". A message she has instilled in the younger generations in her family.
The family have collected donations to give to those in need for the past 5 years, but this Christmas they have been inundated with gifts.
They launched their appeal on social media, 2 days later they returned to their base to find more than 3,000 deliveries of toys to give to children who might otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning.
Every day, Victoria and Sarah's sister, Sophie, was dealing with up to 300 messages from people wanting to get involved and support the appeal.
Norah's North Pole received so many donations that they had to move to a bigger premises. Ramside Hall in Durham offered their ballroom, as the hotel is currently closed in line with the region's COVID restrictions.
As well as collecting toys, local businesses and generous members of the public donated money to allow the volunteers to buy specific gifts needed to personalise the sacks for each child.
Norah's North Pole fundraising page was set up with a target of £15,000. As of Tuesday 15 December, their total is almost £27,000.
In an effort to support local shops, elves at Norah's North Pole bought gifts from North East businesses where possible.
Schools, local businesses, families and even NHS staff were among those to donate presents for families in need over the festive period.
The volunteers work with local schools and social workers to identify families who might benefit from the support.