Help for Cradley Heath families through The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal

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

By contributor Ojay Aito
Published

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, Cradley Heath Salvation Army distributed more than 250 gifts with the church and charity fearing more people will need support this year. 

Christmas Present Appeal at the Cradley Heath Salvation Army
Christmas Present Appeal at the Cradley Heath Salvation Army

 

Major Lisa Goble, Salvation Army church leader/present appeal coordinator 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 will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys at these locations: Cradley Heath Salvation Army Meredith Street Cradley Heath B64 5EP, and Salvation Army Charity Shop in Stourbridge till 5 December. Businesses in the area will also be collecting toys and gift items on our behalf. They include Red Glass Boutique in Stourbridge, and Halesowen College. Donations are also welcomed via Cradley Heath Salvation Army JustGiving page. 

 

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 (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, T-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers for older children. 

 

The local church will be kicking off its Christmas celebration with its Christmas Fayre set for Saturday 29 November 10am – 1pm, which will include lots of food and drink, Christmas presents for the family, and Santa Grotto. For details on the lineup of Christmas activities, visit Cradley Heath Salvation Army

 

A church and charity, The Salvation Army expresses its Christian faith by offering friendship, practical help and support to some of the most disadvantaged people in our communities. To help support The Salvation Army’s year-round work please visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/donate 

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