Salvation Army calls on the help of community to ensure the most vulnerable receive presents this Christmas

The Salvation Army is asking the community to get behind its Christmas Present Appeal to ensure the most vulnerable have something to open on the 25th December.   

Crewe Salvation Army on Prince Albert Street has been running a Christmas Present Appeal for over thirty years and works with a number of local agencies to ensure the most in need receive support. 
  Major Steven Watson, church leader at Crewe Salvation Army, said: “We’d like to thank the people of Crewe for their continued support as it’s through their generosity that we were able to help 1600 people last year.   

“Thirty years ago a volunteer helped to launch our first Christmas Present Appeal and now her daughter, Heather Newton is giving up her time to ensure the most vulnerable receive a present.” 
 

The church and charity works with a wide range of agencies to ensure no one is forgotten including mental health teams, social services, and health visitors. Care leavers who don’t have contact with family and are on their own, also receive the support of the appeal. 
 

Each family receives a Christmas Hamper containing food. Children receive a main present and stocking fillers. 
 

Heather Newton, said: “Our Christmas Present Appeal has grown over the years and the support we give makes a difference to such a huge number of local people. We couldn’t do it if it wasn’t for the help of the community and local businesses. 
 

“We understand that Christmas is an expensive time for everyone and if we all buy an extra present we’d easily get to our target. We would never let anyone go without so if we get a referral then we’ll fulfil it. That’s why we fundraise all year round to ensure we can meet demand.” 
 

“We are asking local people to drop in new, unwrapped presents into our corps before 18th December."
 

Gifts can include anything from soft and educational toys for the very youngest child, to games, toys and accessories for older children. 
 

The Salvation Army in Crewe supports the community throughout the year as well as at Christmas. There is a drop-in for people experiencing homelessness and an emergency food provision as well as advice service for those in food poverty. The corps charity shop plays a key role in the community.   

For more information about the Christmas Present Appeal, contact:  Major Steven Watson, Corps Officer at Crewe: steven.watson@salvationary.or.uk / 01270 500591      

Gift ideas for children and young people   

0-3 years: colourful and fun educational toys, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, CDs of suitable music and nursery rhymes;  

3-5 years: books, dressing up clothes, cars, lorries, dolls, action figures, colourful and fun educational toys, CDs (music, stories and nursery rhymes), suitable DVDS, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles, footballs;  

5-9 years: dolls and action figures, educational games and toys, stationery (colouring sets, pencils, crayons, school sets), CDs and family friendly DVDs, books, puzzles, word search, crosswords, skateboards, sports equipment and clothing;  

9-12 years: games and toys, sports equipment and clothing, stationery, CDs, DVDs, books, T-Shirts, hair ornaments, gloves, scarves, hats, music or book tokens;
 

13-16 years: CDs, DVDs, books, toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats and other fashion accessories, music or book tokens.