A church and charitable organisation is ensuring that no child will wake up without a present this Christmas Day.
The Salvation Army Penrith, located on Hunters Lane, is encouraging the local community to add an extra toy to their shopping list this year so that families struggling to buy a gift for their children can ensure there is something for them to open on Christmas Day.
The Christmas Present Appeal runs until Friday, December 17, with a request for new, unwrapped toys and gifts to be dropped at The Salvation Army’s church and community centre.
Major Carole Donaldson, leader of The Salvation Army in Penrith said: “For many, Christmas is a time of joy but for some, it brings added expense and stress.
“This year, with the cost of living increasing, we’ve already seen requests for our support rocket as the hardest hit members of our community continue to struggle to make ends meet.
“No parent wants their child to go without on Christmas Day but for many, this will be the reality and so we are appealing for the local community to help us help those less fortunate, please give a gift and help us light up a life this festive season.”
Gifts should be appropriate for children and young people, aged 0 to 16 years old. The Salvation Army will then sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through its own networks, local charities, and social services.
Gift ideas for children and young people:
0-3 years: soft toys, 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 and soft toys, 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;
13-16 years: CDs, DVDs, books, toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats and other fashion accessories.
