The Salvation Army is calling on the community in County Durham to share love and hope this Christmas by donating new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal to help give children a Christmas they deserve.
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, Chester-le-Street Salvation Army and Langley Moor Salvation Army distributed more than 3,000 gifts with the church and charity fearing more people will need support this year.
Salvation Army church leader Captain Ali Brooks 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.”
Langley Moor Salvation Army will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys until Tuesday 2 December. People can drop their generous contribution at the church at 100 High Street North, DH7 8JH, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 1pm or by appointment.
Chester-le-Street Salvation Army will be collecting donations until Tuesday 16 December. People can drop them off at the church in Low Chare, DH3 3QF, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays between 9.30am and 12pm, on Tuesdays between 6pm to 9pm or by appointment.
You can also make a donation to Chester-le-Street’s appeal via justgiving https://www.justgiving.com/page/chester-le-street-corps-the-salvation-army-1667560975701 or Amazon wishlist https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/QUTTIM9VUFEO?ref_=wl_share
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.
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. To help support The Salvation Army’s year-round work please visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/donate
For more information about the Christmas Present Appeal and ideas about gifts, or to find your nearest present appeal see our website: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal
