Salvation Army appeals for gifts to help families

The Salvation Army has asked people in the West Midlands to donate new toys and gifts as part of its Christmas appeal.

It said gift donations were still welcome at its more than 30 centres in the region, as it helped families "already making impossible choices between food, heating, and bills".

Major Adrian Allman, divisional leader for the West Midlands, said financial worries can make the festive season a time of "stress and despair" for many people.

The charity added it distributed more than 5,000 gift parcels in the region last year.

Donations can include a wide range of new gifts such as educational toys, baby clothes, bath toys, books, dolls, action figures, games and hair accessories.

The Christian church and charity also asked for gift vouchers for older children.

"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," said Major Allman.

He added they were "always overwhelmed by the generosity of the public" in supporting the appeal each year.

Among those involved, the Salvation Army Birmingham Citadel distributed 1,880 toy parcels in 2024, the charity said, and hoped to reach more people amid "growing needs within the community" this year.

Its centre in Canonmoor Street, Hereford, said it helped about 150 families with toys and food last year, as well as 120 single people and couples without children.

Staff added the centre would be open on Christmas day for anyone on their own or who would struggle to put lunch on the table, or it could deliver meals.

The Salvation Army has also planned a wide range of events and activities open to all.

These include a carol concert at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, at 14:30 GMT on Sunday 14 December, which helps raise money for its present appeal.

Other concerts include the Community Carol Concert at its base in Upper Well Street, Coventry, at 14:00 GMT on 15 December.

Two concerts will takes place at its centre in Salisbury Street, Leek, Staffordshire, at 18:00 GMT on 14 and 21 December.

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