Overwhelming generosity and support for Salvation Army Toy Appeal helps to give over 500 children a Christmas present
The community has come together once again to embrace the spirit of giving and ensure that the most vulnerable in our society are not forgotten this Christmas.
Every year The Salvation Army, based on Mead Way in Balderton, issues an appeal for gifts, which are then handed out to families most in need — who may otherwise have to choose between heating or eating and giving their child a Christmas present.
Organisers of the Toy Appeal have said they are overwhelmed with the generosity and support they have received for this year's campaign, with thousands of items donated.
In fact, this year's appeal has been so successful that enough gifts have been collected to support 260 families across the area, ensuring that just over 500 children, who would otherwise have gone without, wake up on Christmas morning with a present to open.
Salvation Army Captain, Sarah O'Grady, said: "It's been a very busy time, we've had a lot of people and organisation contacting us wanting to donate.
"I've been making some huge collections and my estate car could barely fit it all in.
"I think there is something about the generosity of strangers giving to people they will never meet, whose situations they've not heard of, yet there is a deep compassion to make sure no child goes without at Christmas.
"That generosity, that spirit that people have at this time of year is something very special."
The church receives family referrals in a number of different ways — from doctors, schools, social workers — and provides tailored gifts for each family anonymously.
They cater to everyone from toddlers to teens, with younger children given toys and older children given gift vouchers.
Sarah added: "Christmas is no longer just a religious event, the traditions are celebrated in some way by all faiths and none.
"As a church, Christmas is a celebration of Jesus, and we know not everyone believes the same as we do — but we want everyone to be involved and feel loved and know that we are here for them.
"The Salvation Army was founded on the idea that you can't tell people God loves them if they are cold, or hungry, or struggling — so let's try and help them first."
The appeal also received the support of 207 kind-hearted bikers, who rode from Bleasby to Balderton, dressed as Santa, elves, reindeer, and even the Grinch to spread Christmas cheer and deliver sacks filled presents.
Heather Beedham has been coordinating the toy appeal for the past six years, and said: "There is an overwhelming appreciation of the town's generosity. In times of hardship people are still giving.
"I think it's because it is to do with children, and every child deserves to have nice things at Christmas — for many it's a very nostalgic thing.
"For all our team this is a joyful thing to be part of."
