Luton's Salvation Army seeks Christmas toy donations for children in need
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The Salvation Army in Luton is asking residents to donate new toys and gifts to help children from struggling families receive presents on Christmas Day.
The charity's annual Christmas Present Appeal will collect donations from November 1 to December 6, with gifts distributed to children and families across the area.
Last year, the generosity of local residents and businesses helped Luton Salvation Army distribute more than 4,000 gifts to 1,200 individual children.
However, the church fears rising living costs could mean more families need support this year.
Salvation Army church leader Captain Vikki Herbert 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.”
She added: “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.”
The charity is particularly looking for gifts for babies under one and boys and girls aged over eight. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Luton Salvation Army, on Vicarage Street, LU1 3HZ, or at its charity shop in Fraser Plus.
People can also donate online through the JustGiving page or the charity's Amazon gift list.
Suggested gifts include educational toys, books, dolls, action figures, sports equipment, clothing, toiletries, hats, scarves, gloves and gift vouchers for older children.
The Salvation Army will sort and distribute the donations through local groups, schools and social services.
Captain Vikki Herbert added: “We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of the public in supporting our appeal each year, and hope the good people of Luton can help us again to make sure every child wakes up on Christmas Day with a smile on their face.”