News
Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal
MEDIA RELEASE – November 2020
Hope for families facing tough Christmas after pandemic
The Salvation Army is calling on Morley’s community to donate new toys and food to its Christmas appeal that will support families in need over the festive season.
Sadly, we know that this will be a really tough Christmas for local families as many have faced job losses and reduced income due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re expecting the number of people requesting support to be greater this year, so please help us share some hope this Christmas.
Salvation Army children and family worker, Lauren said: “Every year we ask people to donate new toys and gifts to our Christmas present appeal so we can distribute them to families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift. This year, we are expecting the number of families requesting help to rise as a result of the pandemic’s impact on already tight family budgets.
“Last year, we supported over 200 families and individuals with toys and food hampers and already we’ve started receiving requests for support ahead of Christmas.”
The church on Ackroyd Street will be collecting donations of brand-new unwrapped toys and food items from 1st November to 4th December. People wishing to donate can drop their kind contribution of new, unwrapped toys at The Salvation Army Church and Community Centre, Ackroyd Street
(please contact to arrange a time) or at the designated box in Morrisons Morley. Please note only new toys can be accepted.
Lauren said: “By adding an extra present or treat to your shopping list you can remind families facing a tough winter that their community cares. This year our appeal is themed Be A Star, encouraging our community to bring light and joy to families. It also reminds us all of that first Christmas, when a star appeared in the sky to bring the shepherds and wise men to Bethlehem to discover new hope in the birth of Jesus. By ‘being a star’ and donating to our Christmas appeal, people will shine a light in the dark for people who are struggling and in need at this special time of year.”
The Salvation Army will sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through their networks and via local groups, schools and social services.
Gifts can include anything from soft and educational toys for the very youngest child, to games, toys, books and accessories for older children.
People can also donate through the JustGiving page which will be used to purchase toys and food provision https://justgiving.com/fundraising/morley-christmas-present-appeal
As 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.
During the pandemic, we continued to support our community through online worship, pastoral phone calls and support and emergency food provision.
To help support The Salvation Army’s year-round work please visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/morley
For more information about the Christmas Present Appeal, please contact Lauren Raistrick on 0113 238 0422 or morley@salvationarmy.org.uk