A CHRISTMAS GIFT appeal to support families and those who are living on their own has been launched by a charitable organisation in Salisbury.
The Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal needs new gifts for children, young adults and people of all ages who will be on their own this Christmas.
The Church and Social Care provider based on Salt Lane with other like-minded groups is to distribute gifts via a network of health visitors, housing welfare officers, social and family workers as well as schools and the probation service.
Captain Mark Davison who coordinates the appeal from the Salisbury Salvation Army said: "We are so blessed to be part of such a kind and thoughtful community. Each year it surprises us how the needs that are identified by our partners, who visit and support those facing challenging times, are matched through the generosity of our local community."
The Salvation Army Church and Community Hub on Salt Lane will be open to receive gifts on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10am till 1pm right up until Christmas Eve when the final gifts are delivered.
Presents need to be new and unwrapped so that the healthcare and social work professional’s, who deliver the presents, can match the gift with the age and ability of the child, taking into account any special learning needs or family circumstances.
Past experience has shown that presents for teenagers are the most challenging to source, so gifts of toiletries or sporting goods are also much appreciated for this age group.
Captain Davison said: "We try to add a little bit of extra Christmas cheer where we can for the families identified to us as going through difficult times, and where possible, its good to add some tins of biscuits or sweets as extra gifts to make the family time more special so these items are also most welcome."
The lead-up to Christmas is a busy time for The Salvation Army as the band shares Christmas carols in the city centre on Saturdays as well as leading carol services and sing- a-longs in care homes and community centres.
The Salvation Army will also lead community carol singing in the Guildhall Square at 5pm on Christmas Eve which is an event organised by Salisbury City Council as part of its Christmas in Salisbury programme of free family entertainment.
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