THE Salvation Army is calling on the community in Falmouth to share love and hope this Christmas by donating new toys to its Christmas Present Appeal to help give children a Christmas they deserve.

Every year Salvation Army churches ask people to donate new toys and gifts for children whose families are already making impossible choices between food, heating, and bills.

Last year, Falmouth Salvation Army distributed gifts to 130 adults with gifts and over 300 children; provided 41 food hampers and two Christmas meals for 80 people, with the church and charity fearing more people will need support this year.

Karen Thomas of The Salvation Army said: “Our Christmas Present Appeal is an opportunity for people in our community to embrace the spirit of Christmas and give to families and individuals who have very little.

“Christmas is meant to be a time of love and joy, but for many it’s a time of stress and despair when financial worries are brought into sharp focus for families who are struggling to heat their homes, let alone provide presents for their children.

“The Christmas present appeal is how we put our belief into action, showing love where it’s needed most. We believe every child deserves to experience joy on Christmas morning. We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of the public in supporting our appeal each year and we hope you continue to do so to ensure every child wakes up on Christmas Day with a smile on their face.”

The church on Brook Street, Falmouth will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys from now until December 20 and their drop off points are The Salvation Army Hall and The Salvation Army shop.

The public is invited to attend Christmas carols on Sunday, December at 4pm at the The Salvation Army hall.

The Salvation Army will sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through local groups, schools and social services.

Gifts can include anything from educational toys, baby clothes, bath toys, books, including learn to read books (for babies and toddlers) to dolls and action figures, sports equipment and clothing, toiletries (non-allergic ingredients are preferred), gloves, scarves, hats, t-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers for older children.

For more information about the Christmas Present Appeal and ideas about gifts, visit: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal