Heckmondwike celebrates 145 years with fundraiser for Ukrainian kids
published on 8 Jul 2026
The Salvation Army in Heckmondwike celebrated its 145th birthday by donating much needed items to children impacted by the war in Ukraine.
The church and charity in Barracks Street put a call out for 145 items to mark its anniversary and ended up collecting hundreds of pairs of pyjamas, packets of underwear and packets of sweets to be sent to youngsters via Huddersfield to Ukraine Humanitarian Aid.
They also marked the milestone birthday by hosting a garden party and Sunday worship led by Major Christine Comely.
Janet Devine, Church Leader at Heckmondwike Salvation Army who runs activities with a dedicated team of volunteers, said: “We had a wonderful weekend celebrating not only the history of The Salvation Army in Heckmondwike, but acknowledging the work that we continue to do within the community.
“Our community really came together to contribute for the Ukraine fundraiser. We wanted to mark our birthday by doing something to help the most vulnerable, providing items for children whose lives are being ravaged by war.
“We had the idea of trying to get to 145 items to mark 145 years and in the end we exceeded that, collecting in total 115 pairs or pyjamas, 500 sets of underwear and too many sweets to count. We had Ikea bags stuffed full. People really took it into their hearts and donated, which was amazing.”
The clothing and sweets were blessed and have now been taken to Huddersfield to Ukraine Humanitarian Aid ready to take to Ukraine for children, many of whom are living in orphanages, to have as part of a residential experience up in the hills away from the conflict.
Last Christmas Heckmondwike Salvation Army also donated bedding, duvets, packs of pillows, nappies and baby formula to the charity, who delivered the items to orphanages across the country.
Janet continued: “We want to say a big thank you to everyone who donated to this or helped us pack items, and to all who helped us celebrate our birthday. We had a lovely garden party at the home of Salvation Army members Mazi and Ian with food from Maughans Too. It was a lovely day that we’ll all remember.”
The Salvation Army continues to serve the community through Friday Friends Community Drop In which offers activities for parents and tots, help with form filling or CVs, or simply offers a warm space to have a cuppa and a listening ear.
Friday Friends takes place between 10am and 2pm each Friday. They also host bible study on a Wednesday, a coffee morning between 10am and 12pm on the second Saturday of the month and Sunday worship.
You can find more information or donate to Heckmondwike Salvation Army here or search for them on Facebook.
