Residents and businesses urged to support Christmas appeal

Families in need across the Welshpool area are set to benefit from this year’s Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal, which is now underway.

The appeal, run by The Salvation Army across North and Mid Wales, asks local people to donate new, unwrapped toys and gifts to ensure children who might otherwise miss out can wake up to a present on Christmas morning.

The Newtown Salvation Army church will be collecting the donations, which will then be distributed to families through local groups, schools, and social services.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Roberts, who leads The Salvation Army in Wales, said the appeal remains vital for many families facing rising costs this winter.

He said: “Our Christmas Present Appeal is an opportunity for people in our community to give to families and individuals who might have very few of the comforts others enjoy.

“Christmas should be a time of celebration, but for many households it’s when financial worries come into sharp focus. Some families are struggling to heat their homes, let alone provide presents for their children.

“We believe every child deserves the joy of receiving a gift on Christmas morning, and we are always overwhelmed by the generosity of people in Wales.”

Donations can include toys, dolls, action figures, books, educational toys, sports equipment, baby clothes, gloves, hats, scarves, T-shirts, bath toys, and hair accessories. Gift vouchers for older children are also welcomed.

People can also support the appeal through The Entertainer’s Big Toy Appeal until 29 November. Shoppers can buy an extra toy in-store or through TheToyShop.com, and The Entertainer will match each donation with another toy.

Each Entertainer store in Wales works with its local Salvation Army team to ensure the gifts reach families who need them most.

More information about suitable gifts and how to donate can be found at:
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal