The Salvation Army is calling on the community in Nottingham and surrounding areas to share love and hope this festve season by donating new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal.
The appeal's aim is to help make sure no child goes without a gift on Christmas Day.
Every year 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.
Last year's response
Last year, thanks to the generosity of local people and businesses, Salvation Army churches in Nottingham distributed over 1000 gift parcels to children and families, with Nottingham Aspley Salvation Army church supporting with hundreds of such.
The church and charity however fears the relentless increase in the cost of living will mean more people need help this year.
Salvation Army church leaders in Nottingham Aspley, Martyn and Susan Jackson said:
"This Christmas families are wondering how they’ll get through the week. 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 next to nothing.
"Christmas is meant to be a time of joy and togetherness, but for the people who are already struggling to put food on the table or heat their homes, it can be incredibly stressful and isolating.
"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 hope the good people of Nottingham can help us again to make sure every child wakes up on Christmas Day with a smile on their face."
How to donate
The church at 397 Aspley Lane, NG8 5RR, will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys until Friday 11th December.
There is often a shortage of gifts suitable for teenage boys, so individuals and businesses are particularly encouraged to keep this in mind when choosing their donations.
People can also make a donation via the local church's GiftAid page.
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.
More information
A church and charity, The Salvation Army expresses its Christian faith by offering friendship, practical help and support to some of the most disadvantaged people in our communities.
More information about the Christmas Present Appeal and ideas about gifts can be found on the appeal page.
