For it is asking the generous Mansfield and Ashfield public to donate selection boxes to put a smile on the faces of children fighting cancer at their annual Christmas party.

PASIC — the Parents Association for Seriously Ill Children — is asking the public and local businesses to buy an extra Christmas selection box when they do their own festive shopping.

For the past five years the charity has been overwhelmed by Chad readers' generosity as Easter eggs have been given for its Easter celebrations.

Now PASIC is asking Chad readers to help out at Christmas, too.
A spokesman for the charity said: "If people could spare just one Christmas selection box, or if a local business would like to get involved and sponsor the party, we would be very grateful."

Selection boxes can be left at any Chad reception — in Sutton; or in Mansfield at Market Place or Newgate Lane — (for the attention of Tim Morriss) or at the reception at the Dukeries Centre at King's Mill Hospital (for the attention of Julie Dixon).

Any business which is prepared to sponsor the party is asked to contact PASIC co-ordinator Bea Brunton on 747629.

The charity is also selling its own Christmas cards — designed by some of the children fighting cancer — and holding a Christmas prize draw.

Anyone wanting to buy or sell either the cards or tickets should contact either Bea Brunton on 747629 or Tim Morriss at Chad.

To find out more about PASIC click here.