The Salvation Army is calling on the Croydon community to share love and hope by donating new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal to help give children a Christmas they deserve.
Spread the joy: the Salvation Army is accepting donations of new toys at its Booth Road centre until Dec 19
Every year, Salvation Army churches ask people to donate new toys and gifts for children whose families are already making impossible choices between paying for food or heating or bills.
Last year, Croydon Salvation Army distributed more than 480 gifts. The charity fears more people will need support this year.
Chris Waldock works as the community services manager at Croydon Salvation Army. They said: “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 very little.
“Christmas is meant to be a time of love and joy, but for many it’s a time of stress and despair, when financial worries are brought into sharp focus for families who are struggling to heat their homes, let alone provide presents for their children.
“The Christmas present appeal is how we put our belief into action, showing love where it’s needed most. We believe every child deserves to experience joy on Christmas morning. We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of the public in supporting our appeal each year and we hope you continue to do so to ensure every child wakes up on Christmas Day with a smile on their face.”
The Salvation Army on Booth Road will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys, long life food donations (such as tinned meat and veg, long-life milk, biscuits and Christmas food items) until December 19.
People can drop their generous contribution at The Salvation Army, Booth Road, Croydon, CR0-1XY, or make a donation via justgiving.
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.
Gift ideas for children and teenagers
- 0-3 years: dolls, soft toys, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, puzzles
- 5-9 years: educational games and toys, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, school sets, books, puzzle and wordsearch books
- 9-12 years: games and toys, stationery, books, T-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats
- 13-16 years: books, make-up and toiletries (non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, T-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers
The Salvation Army offers 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, click here.
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