Help for families through The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal

The Salvation Army is calling on the community in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury 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.

Last year, Cheltenham Salvation Army distributed more than 580 toy and gift parcels as well as 625 food parcels to both Cheltenham and Tewkesbury families; and the church and charity fears more people will need support this year.

Carl Gunn the Cheltenham Salvation Army Community Development Manager and Present Appeal Coordinator said: “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 very little. We are incredibly grateful for the public’s generosity over the years and hope this year our appeal will be able to bring some respite to those who are struggling the most. 

“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 39 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HG will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys until 6^th December. 

People can drop their generous contribution at The Church Hall – 39 Bath Road Cheltenham GL53 7HG or The Salvation Army Donation Centre, Former Barclays Bank, Rutherford Way, Cheltenham GL51  9TU, and Tewkesbury Salvation Army Charity Shop, 37 High St, Tewkesbury GL20 5BB. People can also make a donation via justgiving www.justgiving.com/page/the-salvation-army-community-church-cheltenham-2024 or via the Amazon wishlist The Salvation Army Cheltenham (with Tewkesbury) Toy Parcel Gifts.

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.

The church is inviting the public to its Christmas services: Carol Service on Sunday 15^th December at 10.30am at 39 Bath Road Cheltenham GL53 7HG; Carols in Sandford Park at 10.30am on Sunday 22^nd December.

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

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk