The Salvation Army is calling on people in Milton Keynes to donate new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal to help give children a Christmas they deserve.
Every year Salvation Army churches ask people to donate new toys and gifts for children whose families are already making impossible choices between food, heating, and bills.
Last year, Milton Keynes Salvation Army distributed toys and food parcels to more than 545 children and families with the church and charity fearing more people will need support this year.
“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,” said Milton Keynes Salvation Army church leader/present appeal coordinator Major Joanna Baker.
“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.
“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 Milton Keynes church on Ramsons Avenue, Conniburrow, will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys until December 5, financial donations can continue throughout December, with a special request for presents for 0-16 years boys and girls.
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 in Milton Keynes is inviting the public to its Christmas services: Sunday 14th December, 5.30pm ‘Carols & Toys’ community carol service at Christ the Cornerstone Church. The church will host a Christmas Fayre on 22 November.
