Help for Lancashire families through The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal

Every year The Salvation Army asks 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, Preston Salvation Army distributed gifts to 700 children and the church and charity fears more people will need support this year.

Salvation Army church leader Captain Debbie Eaton said: “Helping a parent provide a gift for their child is more than just financial support, it brings the joy of Christmas into their home. We have seen the devastating effect of the cost-of-living crisis. People are really struggling and so we are doing what we can to relieve the pressure this Christmas.

“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 nothing. We have been humbled by the public’s generosity over the years and hope this year our appeal will be able to bring some comfort and joy to people who are struggling the most.”

The church on Harrington Street will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys from Monday, November 27, until Monday, December 11. The Salvation Army will then sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through local groups, schools and social services.

People wishing to donate can drop their generous contribution at the church and community centre on Harrington Street or make a financial donation via Just Giving www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thesalvationarmychristmas-2023-433 which will be solely for the Preston community. The church and community centre will be open from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday to Friday as well as Wednesday and Friday evenings from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm and a Sunday from 10:00 am-11:00 am.

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 and hair accessories.

People can also donate through The Entertainer’s Big Toy appeal between 6 – 25 November. Customers can buy an extra toy to donate when they visit a store or shop online at www.thetoyshop.com/big-toy-appeal. 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.

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 on Preston Salvation Army visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/preston.