The Salvation Army in Ellesmere Port is calling on the help of the community to ensure the most vulnerable receive presents this Christmas.
The local church and charity is asking people to get behind its Christmas Present appeal to ensure they have something to open on December 25.
The Whitby Road church says it works with a number of local organisations every year to ensure the most in need receive support.
In 2015 more than 300 local children received presents to unwrap as a result of the appeal.
Lt Louise Brown, church leader at Ellesmere Port Salvation Army, said: “Social services along with other local agencies come to us with a long list of referrals and we will always ensure every child receives presents.
“We are so grateful to the support of local people and businesses as we appreciate Christmas is an extremely expensive time of year for everyone.
“It’s not just about the toys as our volunteers do a wonderful job sorting the presents.
“This year we’re grateful to have a few extra on board. It’s thanks to all their hard work that we’re able to make a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in the area.”
Volunteer Laurence said: “I’m a volunteer with a national charity which supported my late wife and I as we lived with her dementia for 15 years. Earlier this year they started a new singing activity group based at the Salvation Army on Whitby Road and I volunteered to help.
“I had only recently watched the wonderful BBC 1 series with Paul O’Grady, ‘Sally Army and Me’, so it was fascinating to see just how things worked in my local area.
“I was so impressed by everyone I met that I quickly became involved myself and now I attend church and volunteer with the Salvation Army as well.
“It’s made such a huge difference to my life, in fact I’ll be volunteering on Christmas Day to serve lunch to people who would otherwise be on their own.”
Louise is asking local people to drop in new, unwrapped presents into the corps before December 18.
Gifts can include anything from soft and educational toys for the very youngest child to games, toys and accessories for older children.
She would also like to extend a warm welcome to local people to gather around the Christmas tree at the church on Christmas Eve for carols at 6.30pm.
Lunch is being served at the corps on Christmas Day for anyone who is going to be on their own, just contact Louise to book a place.
The Salvation Army points out it supports the community in Ellesmere Port throughout the year as well as at Christmas. It offers people a variety of groups while the charity shop in the town plays a key role in the community as does worship every Sunday.
Gift ideas for children and young people range from colourful and fun educational toys, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, CDs of suitable music and nursery rhymes for 0 to 3 year olds to CDs, DVDs, books, toiletries, gloves, scarves, hats and other fashion accessories, music or book tokens for 13 to 16 year olds.
Five-9 years enjoy dolls, action figures, colouring sets, books and skateboards while 9-12 year olds are into games, sports equipment and clothing and CDs.
