The Salvation Army is calling on the community throughout Salford to donate new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal to support families who will struggle to make ends meet over the festive season.
Every year Salvation Army churches ask people to donate new toys and gifts for children whose families cannot put food on the table, heat their homes or pay their bills.
Last year, Swinton Salvation Army & Salford Church and Community Centre distributed more than 1,300 gifts to over 130 families and the church and charity fears more people will need support this year.
Major Verity West church leader of The Salvation Army in Swinton said: “The Salvation Army’s Be A Star Christmas Present 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 – everyone can be that star for someone else! 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.”
The church on Station Road, Swinton, will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys until Sunday, December 8. The church and community centre on Eccles New Road in Salford will also be a donation point.
For people that are unable to donate a toy but wish to contribute to the appeal, financial donations can be made via JustGivingwww.justgiving.com/
