An appeal has been issued to people across Cumbria to help support struggling families in the county this Christmas.
The Salvation Army is asking people to donate new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal for children whose families cannot put food on the table, heat their homes or pay their bills.
Last year, The Salvation Army in Penrith, on Hunter Lane, in Whitehaven, on Catherine Street, and in Barrow on Abbey Road, distributed gifts to more than 750 children across Cumbria.
Major Steven Watson, church leader of The Salvation Army in Whitehaven, said: “The appeal is an opportunity for people in our communities to embrace the spirit of Christmas and give to families and individuals who have very little.
“We are incredibly grateful for the public’s generosity over the years and hope this year our appeal will be able to bring some respite to those who are struggling the most.
“Christmas is a time when financial worries are brought into sharp focus as the cost-of-living crisis continues to have a devastating impact on families who can’t afford to heat their homes or put a nutritious meal on the table. Helping parents provide a gift for their child not only eases financial pressures, but helps bring the joy of Christmas into their homes.”
For the next few weeks, The Salvation Army will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys at The Salvation Army church and community centre Hunter Lane in Penrith and Sainsbury’s in Penrith, until Wednesday December 18, the church and community centre on Catherine Street in Whitehaven and the charity shop on King Street, Whitehaven, until Wednesday December 18 and the church and community centre on Abbey Road, Barrow, and Project John, Cavendish Street, Barrow, until Friday December 6.
The Salvation Army will sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through local groups, schools and social services.
Gifts can include anything from educational toys, baby clothes, bath toys, books, including learn to read books (for babies and toddlers) to dolls and action figures, sports equipment and clothing, toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, T-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers for older children.
