Ripon Salvation Army launches its annual Christmas Present Appeal

Salvation Army officials are calling on people in Ripon and surrounding areas to donate new toys to its Present Appeal to help make sure no child goes without a gift on Christmas Day.

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, thanks to the generosity of local people and businesses, Ripon Salvation Army distributed gifts to 250 families with the church and charity fearing the relentless increase in the cost of living will mean more people need help this year.

Alison Hewitt, Salvation Army church assistant, said: “This Christmas families are wondering how they’ll get through the week.

"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 next to nothing.

“Christmas is meant to be a time of joy and togetherness, but for the people who are already struggling to put food on the table or heat their homes, it can be incredibly stressful and isolating.

“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 hope the good people of Ripon can help us again to make sure every child wakes up on Christmas Day with a smile on their face. 

The church will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys until Tuesday 1 December.  They are in particular need of gifts for teenagers, gift sets of toiletries and festive (non-perishable) food and goodies, and family board games.

People can drop their generous contribution at Ripon Salvation Army, Lead Lane, Monday to Wednesday between 9am and 3pm.To make a monetary donation visit their website here https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ripon

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