BIG-HEARTED readers have dug deep into their pockets despite the recession to donate hundreds of gifts to the Salisbury and Forest Journal’s Christmas Present Appeal.

Representatives of charities who called in at the Journal’s offices to collect them on Monday were thrilled by the response.

Children, in particular, touched our readers’ hearts, and there were enough presents for our charities to give two to every child.

Home-Start Wiltshire is celebrating its 10th anniversary, but this is the first year it has benefited from the Journal appeal.

Co-ordinator Becky Stephens said: “Money is tight for all charities and we rely on donations.

“We work with families who have at least one child under five, and we provide trained volunteers who give them support and friendship.

Many of these families simply can’t afford to splash out. We will be giving presents to the parents and children which they just wouldn’t have otherwise. This is hugely valuable for them.”

Cilla Edwards of Salisbury Women’s Refuge said: “We are snowed under at the moment. The refuge is full up. The children have had to leave their homes and their favourite toys, so these new ones will restore a bit of normality for them. This time of year, with so much alco hol about and with so many bills coming in, always heightens domestic abuse.

“We are so grateful to the Journal for running this appeal, and to its readers. People can come to the newspaper offices and drop things off, which enables us to preserve the confidentiality of our clients.”

Gordon Pardy of Salisbury Trust for the Homeless said: “We have 32 clients, all adults, living in nine houses in Salisbury. They would be homeless if it weren’t for us, and they certainly wouldn’t get presents.

“We are most grateful for the continuing support of the Journal and its readers. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to provide the little extra comforts that make Christmas special.”

Marion Powell of Wilton Christian Fellowship said: “We are running a Christmas Day lunch for elderly people who would otherwise be on their own, and also taking lunches out to people in the Wilton area who are housebound.

“A lot of them would see no-one if it weren’t for us, and have a really miserable Christmas. For the last four years we have been able to take them presents from the Journal’s readers, which have been very much appreciated.”

Other groups and care homes which benefited include Haven Court, Dunraven House, Tower House, Naomi House Hospice, Morning Star, The Salvation Army, Alabaré, the Methodist Church, Salisbury District Hospital and Salisbury Central Club’s children’s party.