The Salvation Army is calling on Hudderfield’s community to donate new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal that will support families in need over the festive season.
Every year, they meet hundreds of distressed parents facing the prospect of their children having nothing to open on Christmas Day. They are concerned that the cost of living crisis will mean even more families struggling to pay for the very basics over Christmas.
Salvation Army’s Major Adrian Lee, who leads the Huddersfield church with his wife Christine, said: “Every year we ask people to donate new toys and gifts to our Christmas present appeal so we can distribute them to families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift. This year, we are expecting the number of families requesting help to rise as a result of the cost of living crisis.
“Please support our Christmas Present Appeal to help our drive to ensure vulnerable children in Huddersfield will have something to open on Christmas day.”
“Last year, we provided more than 50 families and individuals with food hampers and more than 400 children with toys and gifts. Already we’ve started receiving requests for support ahead of Christmas.”
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The church on New Hey Road will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys throughout November.
People wishing to donate can drop their kind contribution at the hall every Tuesday or by arrangement by phoning 01484 654484.
The Salvation Army will sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through their networks and via local groups 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.
Huddersfield Salvation Army will also host ‘Carols in the Church Car Park’ on Sunday 18th December at 4pm with hot chocolate, mince pies and cake.
Major Adrian added: “It will be a great festive occasion and we’d love to see you there.”
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.
For more information about the Christmas Present Appeal and ideas about gifts, see our website: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal
