Plymouth people asked to help struggling families this Christmas

Plymouth people are being called on to help support others who may struggle this Christmas, by donating new toys to its present appeal.

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, the three Plymouth Salvation Army churches distributed more than 1800 gift parcels and the church and charity fears more people will need support this year.

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Salvation Army church leader Ruth Hammond said: “The Salvation Army’s 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.

"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 three churches on Lancaster Gardens, Whitleigh, Balfour Terrace, Morice Town and Hoegate Street, Barbican will be collecting donations of brand new, unwrapped toys from the beginning of November until Sunday, December 8. Toys and gifts for children of all ages from birth to 17 years of age are needed.

People can drop their generous contribution at any of the churches named above, make a donation via JustGiving here or via the Amazon Wishlist here.

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, puzzles, bath toys, books, to dolls and action figures, sports equipment and clothing, games, art and craft sets, stationery, toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, hair accessories.

People can also donate through The Entertainer’s Big Toy appeal. 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.

There are also a number of activities on offer by the Salvation Army. You can find some of them below:

Plymouth Whitleigh Salvation Army, Lancaster Gardens, Plymouth PL5 4AA

• Sunday 1st December, 10.30am, Messy Christmas – explore the nativity through story, craft and activities.

• Sunday 15th December, 4pm, Children’s Carol Service.

Devonport Morice Town Salvation Army, Balfour Terrace, Plymouth PL2 1RS

• Sunday 1 ^st December, 10:30am, Christmas Toy Appeal Service

• Sunday 22 ^nd December, 3pm, Christmas Carol Service

• Sunday 24 ^th December, 6pm, Carols in the Car Park

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, see their website: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal