THE Wiltshire Times is today joining forces with the Salvation Army to launch its annual Christmas toy appeal.

Last year more than 150 children from struggling families in Wiltshire woke up to presents under the Christmas tree thanks to the generosity of our readers and we want to top that this time.

The Salvation Army wants our readers’ to help bring joy to families and provide those people, who may wake up on Christmas day to little or nothing at all, with gifts.

The annual Christmas Present Appeal has been launched for the 13th year running and the Salvation Army will work with Wiltshire Social Services to decide which families receive the gifts.

Donations can range from toys, games and books, for girls and boys up to 16 years old, but they have to be new and in good condition. Financial donations are also welcome.

Salvation Army Major Kelvin Lang is hoping as many people as possible will back the appeal and help spread the Christmas spirit.

He said: “It’s really important, a lot of people feel the pinch and a lot of families struggle to make ends meet and we are able to make sure, with the help of members of the public, that children who would probably be getting nothing will get a toy on Christmas day.”

Editor Gary Lawrence said: “Every year we ask our readers to help at this special time of year and they never let us down.

“Just a few pounds on a present can make an unimaginable difference to a child on Christmas Day.

“So we hope that when people are out shopping they will spare a thought and just buy one extra small gift.

“They can be assured it will make someone's Christmas.”

​The Christmas Present Appeal is from November 22 until December 14 and presents can be dropped off at:

  • The Wiltshire Times reception in Duke Street,
  • Trowbridge The Salvation Army in Castle Street,
  • Trowbridge The Shires, Trowbridge Tesco Extra in County Way,
  • Trowbridge Sainsbury’s,
  • Bradford on Avon Sainsbury’s Melksham.