Newark Salvation Army, on Mead Way, Balderton, successfully delivered hundreds of Christmas presents in annual Salvation Army Toy Appeal

The community has come together to help a charity with it’s goal of ensuring that no child wakes up on Christmas Day without a present to open.

The Salvation Army’s annual Toy Appeal has been hailed as a great success, with enough gifts collected for over 600 people, thanks to the kind-hearted generosity of residents and businesses in the area.

Every year the church issues an appeal for gifts, which are then donated to families most in need, who may otherwise have to choose between heating or eating and giving their child a Christmas present.

Leader of Newark Salvation Army, Matt Elsey, said: “This year’s appeal has gone really well, we’ve given out gifts to over 600 people — mostly children and a few adults.

“It’s one of those things that we want to do less, but the need is still so great in our community.

“But now there are families that have Christmas presents that wouldn’t necessarily have them otherwise.”

The Salvation Army works with schools, social services, the council, women’s shelters and other agencies — which refer families for the appeal, to ensure that the gifts go to those most in need.

The appeal also received a last minute boost, thanks to over 200 bikers who took part in a charity toy run through the district, dressed as Santa and his helpers to deliver hundreds of extra gifts.

“Once again we’ve been completely bowled over, every toy we get is really gratefully received.” said Matt.

“Thank you to the community, whether it’s an individual child giving up a Christmas present or a company which donates hundreds of pounds worth of toys.

“We have had so many toys come in and what I love is that often just as we need certain things they will turn up.

“We always end up with more than we need, which means we get a good start for the next year and this year has been no different.

“It also helps to support the really great people that work with these families all year around.”

The Salvation Army will also be hosting a Christmas Day lunch at the church on Mead Way, Balderton, for those that would otherwise be on there own.

This will be Matt’s last Christmas with the Newark Salvation Army, which he has helped steer, contributing to many worthy initiatives.

He will move on to another church next summer, elsewhere in the country, but thanked the community of Newark for their support over the years.