The Salvation Army is calling on the community in Shoeburyness to donate new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal to support families who will struggle to make ends meet over the festive season.
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.
Captain Lottie Heward, Salvation Army church leader, revealed that she is trying a different approach this year to encourage donations among the trickier age groups.
She said: “We’re decorating a tree with simple stars bearing basic information like boy, aged 16 or girl aged 14 and inviting members of the public to “be a star and take a star” to buy that child a gift. People here are amazingly generous but we have challenges getting gifts for some groups so we will cover the tree with these stars so every child we support gets a gift they will love.
Last year, Shoeburyness Salvation Army supported more than 130 families with food hampers and the church and charity fears more people will need support this year.
Lottie explained: “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 church on Frobisher Way will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys from 4 November until 13 Dec. The building is open from 9am to 2pm
People can also make a financial donation via justgiving.com/fundraising/thesalvationarmychristmas-2024-144
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.
Lottie also said all are welcome at two services being held at The Salvation Army in Shoeburyness over the festive period.
A Toy Service, which is an opportunity to pray for the families and volunteers, as well as donate to the appeal is being held at the church on Sunday 8th December at 10:30am with refreshments and mince pies to follow.
A Carol Service will take place at the same venue on Sunday 22nd December at 4pm with refreshments and mince pies.
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
