The Salvation Army has begun its Family Appeal for Christmas

The Derry branch of The Salvation Army has begun their Family Appeal for Christmas.

The charity is seeking new and unused gifts for children and young people to help provide joy to a family in need.

The charity has started collecting toys and donations, hoping for similar returns to previous Family Appeals.

Sharon Stevens, a minister at The Salvation Army, said: “The response is usually good from people donating, and I am grateful for them, as are the people receiving them.

“I think it is important; like I said, I think there are a lot of charities that do this, but I feel it is important that people know that we are there to help.

“We don’t always personally always get to meet the families. But those that come down to collect personally, the parents are always really grateful, and the agencies that collect the toys are amazed by how much they get given.”

Miss Stevens stated that donations do not solely have to be toys for children; financial donations and vouchers are accepted as gifts, particularly for teenagers, who can be more difficult to give a gift.

Children that receive gifts are referred through a social worker, health visitors, and schools.

However, Miss Stevens said that families in need who have not been referred to The Salvation Army can come to the charity to talk about becoming recipients of the Family Appeal.

She said: “If they don’t know anyone that could refer them, we can sit and talk to them to help them and see who they can go to for a referral. 

“If they truly can’t find anybody, then we can have a confidential conversation with them about their situation, and if we feel they are in need, then we can help. 

“We do prefer referral as we need to make sure they are in need and that they have not been referred to all different charities providing gifts at Christmas.”

To help, you can send your gifts, vouchers, or donations to the office at 33 John St, Londonderry, BT48 6JY.

Schools, churches, and businesses can register to support through email, Londonderry@SalvationArmy.org.uk.