Tiverton seniors join Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal

The Tiverton Senior Citizens have again proven their dedication to supporting the community by contributing to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal.

With the cost-of-living crisis putting increased pressure on families, the Salvation Army is anticipating a rise in the number of children needing assistance this year.

Alan Newsome from the Tiverton Senior Citizens said: “Once again, we've asked our members to donate toys for the Salvation Army for their Children's Christmas Appeal, and once again, it's been a marvel at what they've brought.

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“Also, this year, as a bonus, we're donating £200. This donation shows that we do care—whether it's children or whatever it is, we are keen to support the community. Many of these senior citizens here are on their own, so it was a lot of money for them to spend for somebody else, but they have done so because they love to help others.”

The appeal, running until mid-December, aims to ensure that no child wakes up without a present on Christmas morning. Major Teresa Harris of the Salvation Army praised the seniors' efforts: “The Tiverton Senior Citizens donation is once again amazing, and we're just so grateful to them. We ourselves have our toy service, and we have a few other people who donate. But because we're expecting so many, this is just amazing. When I think about them and their situations, a lot of them to be able to want to give and exceed is just amazing, and to hear about the £200 donation is just brilliant.”

Last year, the Salvation Army distributed over 76,000 gifts nationwide, with the Tiverton branch delivering approximately 500 toys and 300 food parcels. “We expect that to exceed again this year because of some of the conversations I've had,” Major Harris said. “Anything from 500 to 600 gifts we expect to be given out. The deadline is December 10 for gifts to be delivered to the Salvation Army.”

The Tiverton Senior Citizens group is active in charity and fostering a vibrant community for its members. “The Tiverton Senior Citizens is open for everyone over 60 to attend,” explained Alan. “We've got an outing next Thursday to Cardiff on a Christmas shopping trip, and the following week, we've got the Tiverton Amateur Operatic Society coming to entertain us. Then we've got our Christmas dinner at Tiverton Golf Club on December 12, which is always a highlight for our 73 members. If you want to join, please get in touch—we have a packed programme for 2025, which promises to be fantastic fun for all.”

For those wishing to contribute to the Christmas Present Appeal, the Salvation Army welcomes new, unwrapped toys and gifts. Donations can be coordinated by contacting Major Harris at 07778 160670 or at Tiverton@SalvationArmy.org.uk.

To learn more about the Tiverton Senior Citizens, you can contact 01884 255905.