The Salvation Army is calling on people to share love and hope this Christmas by donating new toys to its appeal to help give children a Christmas they deserve.
Salvation Army churches ask people to donate new toys and gifts for children whose families are already making impossible choices between food, heating, and bills as part of its Christmas Present Appeal.
Last year, The Salvation Army churches across Cumbria supported many families in the area with the church and charity fearing more people will need support this year.
Major Steven Watson, church leader of The Salvation Army in Whitehaven, said: “Our Christmas Present Appeal is an opportunity for people in our community to embrace the spirit of Christmas and give to families and individuals who have very little.
“Christmas is meant to be a time of love and joy, but for many it’s a time of stress and despair when financial worries are brought into sharp focus for families who are struggling to heat their homes, let alone provide presents for their children.
“The Christmas present appeal is how we put our belief into action, showing love where it’s needed most.
“We believe every child deserves to experience joy on Christmas morning. We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of the public in supporting our appeal each year and we hope you continue to do so to ensure every child wakes up on Christmas Day with a smile on their face.”
Salvation Army churches and community centres across Cumbria collecting gifts include:
- Abbey Road, Barrow
- Hunter Lane, Penrith
- Catherine Street, Whitehaven
- Abbey Street, Carlisle
The Salvation Army will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys this month and people can drop their contribution at the various churches and community centres. The Salvation Army will then sort and distribute gifts to children and families in the area through local groups, schools and social services.
People can also donate through The Entertainer’s Big Toy appeal until November 29.
Customers can buy an extra toy to donate when they visit a store or shop online at TheToyShop.com.
For each toy donated, The Entertainer will also add a toy, doubling the number for children who might go without.
Each Entertainer store is connected with a local Salvation Army church or centre who will collect and distribute the toys as part of the wider Christmas Present Appeal.
For more information about the Christmas Present Appeal and ideas about gifts, visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal
