Help for Sunderland families through The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal

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The Salvation Army is calling on the community in Sunderland 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.

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Last year, Austin House Family Centre distributed gifts to 868 children and the church and charity fears more people will need support this year.

Salvation Army church Present Appeal Coordinator Nick Hall 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.

The Salvation Army Christmas Present AppealThe Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal
The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal

“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.”

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The Salvation Army across Sunderland will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys and food items until Wednesday 11 December. They are in real need of toys for teenagers.

People can drop their generous contribution at Austin House Family Centre in Shakespeare Street, Southwick, The Salvation Army church in Roker Avenue, Monkwearmouth and Sunderland Millfield Church in Rutland Street. Please check with them for opening times via the website here https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/map-page

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People can also donate through The Entertainer’s Big Toy appeal. Customers can buy an extra toy to donate when they visit a store or shop online at TheToyShop.com. For each toy donated, The Entertainer will also add a toy, doubling the number for children who might go without. Each Entertainer store is connected with a local Salvation Army church or centre who will collect and distribute the toys as part of the wider Christmas Present Appeal.

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.

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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

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