The Salvation Army in Trowbridge has wrapped up this year’s Be A Star Christmas Present Appeal with a huge thank you to the scores of generous families, individuals and organisations who have donated gifts.
The appeal is now closed and volunteers are now busy sorting gifts and packing the parcels ready to hand over to social workers for distribution to families who will be struggling this Christmas.
As a result of your generous donations, around 220 children referred by social services to the Salvation Army in Trowbridge will now receive presents on Christmas morning.
Michala Lancefield, Salvation Army church leader, said: “The Salvation Army in Trowbridge would like to say a big thank you to everybody who supported this year’s Christmas Present Appeal.
“We are so thankful for the wonderful donations of toys and gifts received from the very kind and generous people of Trowbridge and the surrounding areas, and to all the churches, companies and local groups who organised and delivered group donations to us.
“We are grateful to Morrisons in Warminster and Westbury, Tesco Extra and The Shires in Trowbridge, The Works in Trowbridge and Devizes, and also Trowbridge Debt Advice Service who have willingly acted as collections points.
“We would also like to express our gratitude to The Wiltshire Times for promoting the appeal for us.
“We know from the responses of social workers who deliver the presents and families who receive them that every gift given makes a difference.
“Our amazing social workers support families who are most in need and see first-hand that these gifts bring the magic of Christmas into these families’ homes.
“Parents often express their relief and thanks through tears, overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of complete strangers. So, yes, the appeal is needed, appreciated and it does make a difference to the lives of people in Wiltshire.”
Michala added: “As a result of such generosity and kindness, and the commitment and hard work of our wonderful volunteers, we have been able to support approximately 220 children referred to us by social services who might otherwise have received little or nothing on Christmas morning.
“With your monetary donations, we have been able to supply food vouchers to over 100 families who would be struggling this year.
“We’ve also been able to provide wrapping paper so that parents can see then wrap the toys and gifts their children will receive, and so really feel part of their child’s Christmas.
“On their behalf, we would like to say a very big thank you to all who have supported us and so enabled us to support them. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.”
If you missed the opportunity to donate a toy, you can still click here to make a financial contribution to the community work of the Salvation Army which goes on all year.
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